Influence of malathion (O,O'-dimethyl dithiophosphate of diethyl mercaptosuccinate) on body enzymes in dermal subacute toxicity studies in Bubalus bubalis species.

The effect of daily dermal spray of malathion for four weeks in recommended (0.5 and 1.0 per cent) and higher (5.0 per cent) concentration on various enzymes in Bubalus bubalis species were studied. The higher concentration of 5.0 per cent showed lethal effect after 2 to 3 exposures. The cholinesterase activity in both RBC (RChE) and plasma (PChE) were inhibited with all the concentrations. There was also significant (P less than 0.05) elevation in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase with 1.0 and 5.0 per cent spray and enzyme activities remained altered even during post-medication. The extent of various biochemical changes were dose and time dependent.