Pathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the pancreas in subacute endosulfan toxicity in rabbits.

Objectives: Pancreas pathology in subacute endosulfan toxicity and the effect of vitamin C in rabbits were studied.
Methods: : Twenty-four rabbits in 4 groups were used. The rabbits in group END were given a daily sublethal dose (1 mg/kg of body weight) of endosulfan in corn oil by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Group END+C received the same dose of endosulfan and also vitamin C (20 mg/kg) every other day. Group OIL+C received oral corn oil daily and vitamin C (20 mg/kg) every other day. Group OIL received corn oil daily by oral gavage throughout the experiment. Serum amylase, lipase, and glucose levels were analyzed 1 week after the last treatment. Histopathological and immunohistochemical methods were used.
Results: The amylase levels were normal, but the lipase levels were increased in all the groups. Marked increases in glucose levels were observed in the END and the OIL+C groups. Microscopy examination of the pancreases indicated degenerative changes in the END group. The pancreases of the END+C group were relatively normal in appearance. The immunohistochemistry of the pancreas showed marked decreases in proinsulin-, insulin-, and amylin-secreting cells and slight decreases in glucagon-secreting cells, whereas cells expressing caspase 3 increased.
Conclusion: Endosulfan can cause toxic effects on rabbit pancreases, but vitamin C has an ameliorative effect.