1G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, (Uttaranchal) - 263145, INDIA.
2CADRAD, Indian Veterinary Reasearch Institute, Izatnagar-243122, Bareilly, U.P., INDIA.
Pesticides are widely used to control many pests, including vectors of diseases in animals and man. Gamma-BHC is an insecticide of organochlorine group. Immunosuppression has been reported in connection with a number of chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Effect of gamma-BHC on macrophage functions in chickens was investigated by administration of gamma-BHC @ 25 ppm in feed for 8 weeks. The functional activity of macrophages was assessed by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test. The test was conducted at 4 wk and 8 wk after the administration of γ-BHC 25 ppm in diet. The findings indicated a significant depression of macrophage function as evidenced by reduction in NBT positive cells in γ-BHC treated birds at 4 and 8 weeks in comparison to control.
Immunosuppression, γ-BHC macrophage functions
