Determination of The Effects of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid on Hematological Parameters in Rats Given Alcohol

Abstract

In modern agriculture, many compounds such as pesticides, herbicides and various kinds of fertilizers are frequently used inthe fields to increase crop production. However, among these compounds, widespread usage of synthetic herbicides foragricultural purpose has an adverse effect on living organisms and can lead to several hematological and neurologicalcomplications in human and animals. Alcohol consumption is one of the potential risk factors in cardiovascular disease. Theaim of this study is to investigate the effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2.4-D), used commonly by farmers as aherbicide, on hematological changes in rats given alcohol. Totally 28 Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided intofour groups containing 7 animals per group. While first group served as a control, experimental groups were as follows;herbicide group (5 mg/kg, 2,4- D, orally), alcohol group (3 mg/kg ethyl alcohol, orally), herbicide plus alcohol group (5mg/kg 2,4-D and 3 mg/kg ethyl alcohol, orally). In the end of experimental period lasted totally 60 days, the blood sampleswere taken from animals by cardiac puncture under anesthesia. In the blood samples, erythrocyte (RBC), total leukocytes(WBC) and percentage of the different white blood cells, hematocrit value (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (HGB) andplatelet counts (PLT) were determined. 2,4-D increased the WBC, percentage of lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocytenumbers. Alcohol and alcohol plus 2,4-D application reduced RBC numbers, HGB, HCT value and PLT concentration.The mean corpuscular hemoglobin level (MCH) was increased by alcohol, 2.4 D and alcohol plus 2.4 D treatments. Weconcluded that 2,4-D application in rats given alcohol leads to changes in hematological parameters.