INDUCTION OF LIPID-PEROXIDATION AND ALTERATION OF GLUTATHIONE REDOX STATUS BY ENDOSULFAN

The oxidant stress-inducing effects of endosulfan, a chlorinated hydro carbon insecticide of the cyclodiene group, have been examined followi ng ig administration of single and repeated doses. A single dose of 30 mg/kg (similar to 30% LD(50)) endosulfan significantly (p < 0.001) in creased the TBARS and, hence, the lipid peroxidation in cerebral and h epatic tissues of rats. Administration of endosulfan with doses of 10 or 15 mg/kg/d for 5 d has also induced lipid peroxidation significantl y (p < 0.05). The same doses caused a significant alteration in glutat hione redox status of cerebral and hepatic tissues, where total glutat hione and oxidized glutathione were measured by an enzymatic cycling p rocedure. Selenium levels were also determined and compared with contr ols. With repeated doses, oxidant stress was more pronounced in cerebr al tissue, where endosulfan shows a GABA-antagonistic activity. The po ssible relationship between the neurotoxicity of endosulfan and its ox idant stress-inducing effect was discussed.