Effect of Carbendazim Exposure and Vitamin E Supplementation in African Giant Rats

Aim: Carbendazim is a broad spectrum benzimidazole and metabolite of benomyl used to control farm pests. Unregulated use of pesticides inadvertently affects the ecosystem and loss of biodiversity with precipitous decline of some wildlife species. We investigated the toxicity of carbendazim in African giant rat AGR on exposure and the ameliorative effect of tocopherol (vitamin E).

Methodology: The AGR were randomly divided into four experimental groups of 4 animals each. Group A was exposed to carbendazim only; B- carbendazim + vitamin; C- vitamin only and D- blank (control). Assessment was done clinically, microhaematocrit (erythrogram) and hemocytometric (Leucogram) methods. Cholinesterase (AchE) and markers of oxidative stress were quantified, and tissue changes examined microscopically.

Results: There was decrease in body weight of the AGRs, abortion after 23 days of exposure to carbendazim and significant changes in the erythrogram (p<0.05). Malondialdehyde MDA increased significantly (p<0.05) in group A. Vitamin E supplementation reduced MDA level significantly (p<0.05). Also, remarkable decrease in acetylcholinesterases in the pesticide intoxicated rats (p<0.05). The liver showed diffuse hepatocellular degeneration in carbendazim exposed group but which was comparatively reduced in the Vitamin E “supplementated” AGR.
Conclusion: Strict measures are needed to monitor intensive agricultural practices in the use of chemicals for pest control.