Porphyrin levels in excreta of rabbit as non-destructive biomarkers of diazinon exposure.

In the present study the effect of a chronic exposition to the organophosphorous pesticide diazinon on the porphyrin profile in feces of rabbit was evaluated, in order to validate the use of such molecules as non-destructive biomarkers for monitoring exposure of mammals to this environmental xenobiotic. Male and female (12:12) rabbits were exposed to oral single doses of diazinon, feces being sampled at every 10 days, till the end of the experience (30 days). HPLC method was validated from the results obtained, for detection of porphyrins in feces of mammals. Results revealed differences on the porphyrin profile between male and female, the most relevant differences associated to the uroporphyrin levels. In conclusion, porphyrin levels in rabbit's excreta may be used as indicators of exposure to such chemicals, thus providing a useful non-destructive method for monitoring exposure of animals to different environmental pollutants. However, the effect of gender should be taken into account when interpreting results.