The effect of malathion dust on certain tissues of male rats fed varying levels of dietary protein.

The effect of malathion, an organophosphorus insecticide on tissue levels of acetylcholinesterase (Ache), phosphomonoesterases and transaminases have been studied in presence of different levels of dietary proteins. Adult male albino rats weighing 150-200 gms were given 5%, 10% and 20% protein diets containing 400 mg malathion (dust) 5% conc./kg feed for 30 days. Its effect was evaluated in liver, kidney, brain, lungs and spleen and results were compared with their respective malathion dust, pair-fed animals (5%, 10% and 20% protein groups without malathion). Animals kept on low protein diets (5% and 10%) when exposed to malathion dust showed significant increase in the activities of GOT and alkaline phosphatase in liver, kidney, brain, lungs and spleen, while a marked inhibition in the activity of Ache was observed under similar treatment. GPT was decreased in kidney and lungs, in the low protein groups (5% and 10%, whereas its activity was increased in liver, brain and spleen of animals receiving 5% protein, when exposed to compared to their respective pair-fed animals. Thus, although the degree of alteration in the enzyme profile is less severe, these changes show that high protein diet has a protective role against pesticide hazards, whereas low protein diet provides less stability to the structural integrity of the tissues.