Abstract

This study investigates the effects of different doses of paroxon (PDX), an active metabolite of the organophosphate pesticide parathion, on some serum biochemical parameters and induction of oxidative stress in various tissues of female Wistar and Norway rats. The rats were intraperitoneally treated with 0.3, 0.7, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg of PDX. The parameters were evaluated after 24 h. The results showed that the decreased glutathione level and catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in tissues of Wistar rat were higher than Norway rat at higher doses of PDX. At these concentrations, PDX increased superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde level and some serum biochemical indices. In conclusion, PDX induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of oxidative stress in PDX-treated rats is in the order of brain > liver > heart > kidney > spleen. Wistar rat is found to be more sensitive to the toxicity of PDX compared to Norway rat. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.