Estimation of apoptosis and necrosis caused by pesticides in vitro on human lymphocytes using DNA diffusion assay.

Organophosphorus pesticides like monocrotophos, profenofos, chlorpyrifos, and acephate are most commonly used in India for agriculture and public health programs. Previous studies have revealed that at low doses, organophosphorus pesticides not only act as genotoxic agents but also affect several other biochemical pathways. The aim of the current investigation was to assess apoptosis and necrosis caused by these pesticides on human peripheral blood lymphocytes under in vitro conditions using the DNA diffusion assay. Our studies have revealed that all the above pesticides induced apoptosis and necrosis in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes in in vitro conditions. The results are statistically significant (p < 0.001). Data on these alterations of immune cells are required for understanding the subchronic effects mediated by pesticides on nontarget organisms.