Abstract
The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and imidacloprid (IMC) insecticides were experimentally studied in layer chickens, taking into account the patho-biochemical alterations. The LD50 values estimated were 41 mg/kg bw and 104.1 mg/kg bw for CPF and IMC, respectively. The plasma cholineesterase enzyme was severely inhibited in chickens given a single dose of CPF at a rate of 55 mg/kg bw via oral gavage, while it remained unchanged in chickens given IMC at rate of 139 mg/kg bw via similar route. The activities of liver function enzymes viz. AKP, ALT and AST were significantly increased in chickens of CPF and IMC groups. Uric acid level was significantly increased and cholesterol level was only significantly reduced in the plasma of chickens administrated CPF. Plasma glucose values in chickens given CPF as well as in chickens given IMC were significantly increased at (P<0.01) and (P<0.05), respectively. Microscopically, liver tissue of CPF intoxicated chickens showed degeneration, coagulative necrosis and hemorrhages. The kidneys showed hemorrhages, vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelial cells as well as focal coagulative necrosis. Microscopic lesions of a similar type were observed in chickens given IMC. The exposure to CPF and IMC produced histopathological changes that could be correlated with changes in the biochemical profile of layer chickens.