Imidacloprid induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in liver of rats

Imidacloprid was evaluated for its effect on oxidative stress and histopathological changes in liver of Wistar albino rats at two dose levels (19 and 38 mg/kg/day) administered orally for 10, 20 and 30 days. Effects were compared with respective control groups administered with 2% gum acacia (1ml/100g). Different parameters undertaken were liver weight, oxidative stress parameters viz. activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), cytoplasmic and membrane proteins and histopathological changes in liver. Imidacloprid at 38 mg/kg dose significantly increased (p < 0.05) organ weight and levels of MDA in 20 and 30 days group. There was significant decreased (p < 0.05) in levels of cytoplasmic and membrane proteins and activities of enzymes SOD and GPx at 38 mg/kg dose administered for 20 and 30 days. GSH levels were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at 38 mg/kg dose administered for 30 days. Degenerative changes in hepatocytes were observed at 38 mg/kg dose administered orally for 20 and 30 days.