The Effects of 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid-Raised Tomato Homogenate on Rat Erythrocyte Antioxidant Enzymes

Abstract

We studied the effect of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid-raised tomato homogenate on rat erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, namely glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase, and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase. Tomatoes were raised with 1, 10, or 20 ppm of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid by spraying. Homogenate of tomatoes raised with 1 or 10 ppm of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid given in a dose of 1 ml/100 g body weight by gavage did not cause any significant alterations in activities of rat erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes. However, homogenate of tomatoes raised with 20 ppm 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid given in the same dose caused a significant reduction in selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05) and an increment in catalase (P < 0.05) activities but did not significantly alter the activities of other enzymes. It is suggested that the alterations in activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes might play a role in toxic effects of phenoxyherbicides.