CHANGES IN HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES OF ALBINO RATS UNDER CHLORPYRIFOS TOXICITY

Abstract

Hematology is defined as the branch of biology, which deals with the morphology of blood and
blood forming organs. Haematological profiles of blood can provide important information about the
internal environment of the organism. In the present investigation the effect of chlorpyrifos, an
organophosphate compound on the blood components is determined in albino rats. The present
investigation was aimed to examine the haematological changes of of albino rats with oral sub lethal
(20 mg/kg) administration of chlorpyrifos as single, double and multiple doses with 48 hr intervals.
The decrease in RBC count, Hb and PCV observed in the present investigation could be described
are retarded haemopoisis, destruction and shrinkage of RBC. MCV, MCH and MCHC showed
significant decrease in all doses in the present investigation, due to destruction of RBC (size and
shape) and decrease in Hb synthesis and hemoglobin content. These symptoms imply the
microcytic- hypo chromic anemia. A decreased percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood
observed in animals poisoned with chlorpyrifos may suggest, neutrophils involves in phagocytosis
during xenobiotic intoxication, during which some of the neutrophils might have ruptured.