The influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on dichlorvos-induced enzymatic changes in buffalo calves.

The effects of administration of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (2,3-BM) or atropine alone and in combination were determined on the blood enzymatic activities of dichlorvos-exposed buffalo calves. Dichlorvos given po at 160 mg/kg body weight produced pronounced inhibition of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and elevation in serum aminotransferases and phosphatases within 30 min. 2,3-BM administered alone or in conjunction with atropine to dichlorvos-exposed calves significantly reactivated erythrocyte AChE activity whereas atropine was ineffective. The effect of 2,3-BM plus atropine on other enzymatic activities was comparatively greater than that of either drug alone. The results indicated that combined treatment with 2,3-BM and atropine was most effective in reversing dichlorvos-induced enzymatic alterations.