Ultrastructural and Biochemical Evaluation of the Effect of Endosulfan on Mice Liver

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of endosulfan on mice liver as ultrastructural together with biochemical data, and also by light microscopy to evaluate. Materials and Methods: 12 male albino mice weighing between 26-30g were used. Mice were divided into two equal groups. For group receiving endosulfan, endosulfan (13 mg/kg/day, body weight) dissolved in nut oil was administered orally to mice via intragastric-during 10 days. The control group received only nut oil. At the end of the 10th day, all the mice were sacrificed with cervical dislocation. Tissue samples were taken for histological examination and biochemical analysis (SOD; superoxide dismutase, GSH; glutathione peroxidase, CAT; catalase, G6PD; glucose-6phosphate dehidrogenase, MDA; malondialdehyde). Results: Disruption of inner membrane of mitochondria, dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum, the presence of large lipid droplets and vacuolar structures were observed in some hepatocytes. Prominent vacuolization was seen in light microscopic observation. There was an increment in activities of G6PD, SOD, GSH and MDA. However, there was a decrease in CAT activity. Conclusion: It may be considered that the adverse effect of endosulfan on mice liver may be due to direct toxic effect of endosulfan and induction of oxidative stress.