Teratogenic effects of sublethal doses of methamidophos in mice
2000
Asmatullah | Khan, A.R. (Punjab Univ., Lahore (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology)
An organophosphorous insecticide, methamidophos was tested for its embryotoxicity and teratogenecity in mice. Different sublethal doses of the insecticide i.e. I2.5, 25 and 50% of LD50 comprising 1.125, 2.23 and 4.5 microgram/g BW were prepared by dissolving it in water in such a way that each 0.1 ml of the solution contains desired concentration. These doses were administered orally to the pregnant mice on different days of gestation. The fetuses were recovered on day 15 of gestation. Fetal body weight and crown rump length decreased in higher doses and longer exposure groups. Morphometric studies of these fetuses were also done which were comprised of the measurements of size of brain, eye, ear, snout, lower limbs and upper limbs. Sizes of these organs decreased significantly (P 0.001) in higher dose groups. Some morphological abnormalities including brain defects, dermal haemorrhagic patches, microphthalmia, limb defects and a high rate of resorptions were found in all dose groups. The present study indicates that concentrations of this insecticide used are highly dangerous for mouse development which may be equally harmful for human too.
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