Acute effects of different doses of malathion on the rat liver

AIM OF THE STUDY: Our study was designed to evaluate the acute effects of malathion on rat liver tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals/each. Group 1 (control group) received corn oil, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were given malathion dissolved in corn oil at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. 24 hours after malathion administration, animals were sacrificed and liver tissues were collected. The liver tissues were then analysed biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Butyrylcholinesterase levels in groups 2, 3 and 4 were significantly lower than that of group 1. Total oxidant status and tumour necrosis factor alpha level were significantly increased in group 4 compared to group 1. Catalase activities of groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher than that of group 1. Arylesterase activity was significantly decreased in groups 3 and 4 compared to group 1. In groups 3 and 4, some vacuoles in hepatocytes were revealed and hydropic degeneration was observed in group 4. CONCLUSIONS: Acute administrations of malathion results in hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner.