Immunological response following single oral dose of butachlor in chicks

In this study, immunological response following single subclinical doses of butachlor, an anilide herbicide @ 0, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was evaluated in chicks by examining antibody titers by ELISA, delayed type skin hypersensitivity test to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), lymphocyte stimulation to mitogen concovalin A (Con A) and macrophage function test (MFf). Significantly (P<0.01) lowered antibody titers and LST values were found in chicks 400 mg group at day 7 and 14 post administration. Butachlor also significantly (P<0.05) reduced the metabolic activity of macrophage in chicks of higher dose group. It is concluded from the study that butachlor causes suppression of humoral and cellular immune responses following single subclinical oral dose in chicks.