Histopathological and Biochemical Toxic Effect of malathion

Malathion is a broad-spectrum insecticide used to control a variety of outdoor insects in both agricultural and residential settings. The aim of this project work was to assess the effect of malathion on liver, kidney, and testis of rats and mice. The lethal dose (LD) of malathion for a human is estimated at 24 mg per kilogram of body weight. In rats, the LD50 via intraperitoneal exposure is 750 mg/kg of body weight. Histopathological toxic effect of malathion in the liver showed from moderate to severe changes. Liver damage was stronger at the higher doses of malathion (85 mg/kg). The pathological lesion observed were microvesicular steatosis, pericentrolobular vasodilatation, and necrosis. The activity of serum AST and ALT activities were not significantly influenced. Malathion caused a pathological lesion in the kidney of exposed rats. Degeneration and vacuolation of renal tubules and atrophy of glomeruli were seen. The amount of serum urea and creatinine levels were significantly raised (P<0.001). Malathion also caused testicular toxicity. Necrosis of the seminiferous tubules and edema in the interstitial tissue had been observed.