Profenofos induced histomorphological and carcinogenic effects in the liver of female wistar rats

The study reports the toxic effects of profenofos, a widely used non-systemic broad spectrum organophosphorus insecticide, on female wistar rats at two sub-chronic doses of 1/10th and 1/50^th of LD₅₀, administered for 45 d each. Significant decrease in feed intake during the last weeks of treatment was observed though the body and organs weights increased non-significantly. The amount of protein in liver of profenofos treated rats was significantly low as compared to control. Higher percentage of microsomal degranulation was recorded in all profenofos treated rats. Histopathological study of liver showed slight loosening in arrangement of hepatic cords, infiltration of leucocytes, dilation in central vein (CV) and presence of pyknotic cells (PN) in the treated rats. It was inferred that profenofos altered and distorted the biochemical and histological status of rodents and also has a potential for carcinogenicity.