The aim of this paper was to examine the effects of chorfenvinphos on serum concentrations of transition metals, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation index), and on the activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes.
Male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or 0.02, 0.1 and 0.5 x LD50 of chlorfenvinphos and sam ples were collected at 1, 24 and 48 hr after treatment. The experiments were approved by the Local Ethics Committee.
We demonstrated a decreased concentration of copper serum, which is accompanied by the increased activity of superoxide dismutase. The changes observed in the concentrations of copper can be explained by its displacement from serum to erythrocytes. We also observed increased levels of zinc serum (after intoxication with CVP at doses of 0.02 and 0.1 x LD₅₀) and iron, as well as enhancement in hydrogen peroxide serum and malondialdehyde concentration. The changes in serum Zn concentration probably resulting from cellular membrane damage and the increase in serum iron concentration, is probably caused by its release from haemoglobin. The changes of serum Fe levels seems to have no effect on lipid peroxidation.
We concluded that in acute intoxication with chlorfenvinphos - organophosphorus insecticide, the non-cholinesterase mechanismes are involved.