In this study, the effect of endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, and the ameliorating effect of vitamin C on the livers of New Zealand white rabbits were studied. Livers of the rabbits were examined grossly and histopathologically, and caspase-3 activity was detected by immunohistochemical methods. A total of twenty-four rabbits were divided into four groups (n=6). Rabbits in Group I (END) were daily given a sublethal dose of endosulfan (1mg/kgbw) in corn oil by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Group II (END+C) received the same dose of endosulfan and additionally Vit C (20mg/kgbw) every other day during this period. Group III (OIL+C) received corn oil daily by oral gavage and vitamin C every other day for 6 weeks. Group IV (OIL), the control group, received only corn oil daily, by oral gavage throughout the experiment. The concentration of alpha-endosulfan in the END group was higher in livers (0.102+/-0.012ppb) than the beta-endosulfan (0.072+/-0.001ppb). Decreased accumulation of alpha and beta endosulfan was observed in the END+C group (0.025+/-0.003 and 0.016+/-0.002ppb, respectively) (p<0.0001). The most prominent gross findings at the necropsy were seen in the END group, in which swollen and pale livers were commonly observed. Hemorrhages, degenerations, necrosis, and in some rabbits bile duct hyperplasia were the marked histopathological findings of the END group. Caspase-3 positive reaction was more severe in this group than in the others. An ameliorating effect of Vit C on gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings was observed in the END+C group. The results revealed that endosulfan is highly toxic for rabbit livers. However, toxicity was decreased by Vit C treatment, which reduced the accumulation of endosulfan in livers four-fold.
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