Assessment of Chronic Toxicological Effects of 2, 2-Dichlorovinyl Dimethyl Phosphate (Sniper) on the Kidneys of New Zealand White Rabbits

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the chronic toxicological effects of 2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (Sniper) on the kidneys of New Zealand white Rabbits.

Study Design: This is an experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt animal house, Rivers State Teaching Hospital and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Hospital Laboratory, between January, 2020 and April 2020.

Methodology: Thirty six (36) male New Zealand white rabbits weighing approximately 1.0mg/kg were used for the study. The rabbits were kept in a spacious and well-ventilated cage at room temperature, under natural circadian rhythm and were allowed to acclimatize for fourteen (14) days. They were divided into three (3) groups of four (4) rabbits each with four (4) matched control. For the chronic oral study, 10% of the LD50 (details not included) which is 0.005mg/kg dose of sniper, mixed with 1.0ml of distilled water was administered orally to the rabbits daily for the stipulated period of 0-30, 0-60 and 0-90 days. The matched control rabbits received only feed and water ad libitum during the study. Whilst, for the chronic inhalation study, 10% of the LD50 dose of sniper which is equivalent to 0.05mg/m3 dose of sniper was mixed with 1.0ml of distilled water, sprayed in the closed cages. At day 30, 60 and 90, 4 rabbits were sacrificed each from the chronic oral and inhalation study groups and the matched control group. Blood specimens were collected at each stage, about 5.0mls of blood was collected into lithium heparin specimen container for the investigation of kidney function tests. Serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO­­3-), were determined using a chemistry auto-analyzer while urea and creatinine were estimated using the photometric methods and C-reactive protein and kidney injury marker (KIM-1) were analyzed using the Enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay method. The kidneys were also harvested and preserved in 10% formalin for histological examination. SPSS version 22.0 of windows statistical package was used to analyze the data generated and p values less than .05 were considered significant.

Results: The results showed that the chronic oral and inhalation studies revealed significant elevation of the following biochemical indices at (p<.05); Na+, K+, Cl-, KIM-I, urea and Creatinine when values for the rabbits that received sniper were compared with those of the control groups. Creatinine, urea and KIM-1 increased significantly as the duration of administration increased and more in the oral route when compared with the inhalation route.

Conclusion: Based on these results, oral and Inhalation routes of sniper exposure in New Zealand white Rabbits could produce renal toxicity. Furthermore, toxicity was more in the oral route and became severe as the period of administration increased.