author(s)
Omer Khalil Baba, MM Darzi, MS Mir, Syed Ashaq Hussain, Majid Shafi, SA Kamil and Manzoor Ur Rehman

abstract
The present study was aimed to assess the subacute toxic effects of dimethoate using rabbits as mammalian model. TAFGOR (containing 35.5% dimethoate) was admistered @ 36 mg dimethoate/kg body weight per day orally for 14 days. The clinical signs of toxicity were dullness, anorexia, dehydration, excessive salivation, muscle contractions, staggering gait and loss of weight. Blood samples were collected at day 0, 7 and day 15 for hematological and biochemical analysis. The intoxicated rabbits showed a significant increase in mean monocyte, eosinophil count (P<0.05) and significant decrease in PCV (P<0.05), in comparison to control group. The mean values of Hb, TEC, MCV, MCH and MCHC, did not differ significantly (P≤0.05) from corresponding control values. The mean albumin at day 7 was significantly lower (P≤0.05) than corresponding control value. The mean values of ALT and creatinine in intoxicated rabbits at day 7 were significantly (P≤0.05) increased as compared to the mean corresponding values of day 0 and respective values of the control group. Over the time or within the group, no significant (P≤0.05) changes were observed in mean values of total protein, glucose, AST and BUN. There was 83% mortality over 14 days. In conclusion, subacute dimethoate toxicity caused marked clinical changes and mortality with noticeable hematological and biochemical alterations suggestive of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.