Abstract
Oral and dermal exposure of rats to cyanophos was characterized by studying acetylcholine esterase (AChE), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activities, glucose, protein and cholesterol. Within protein profile (separation by SDS-electrophoresis), a new band with molecular weight of 74 KDa could be characterized after both oral and dermal treatments of rats with cyanophos, as a possible result of protein-binding to the major serum albumins (prealbumin, albumin and transferrin). The AChE activity showed more inhibition in case of oral than dermal exposure after 3 days, and could not be recovered after 15 days of treatments. AST and ALT activities in serum blood as well as blood sugar and total protein were increased while cholesterol showed no changes either after oral or dermal treatments. The change in protein profiles (band with 74 K Da) and the activities of AChE and glucose could be used as biomarkers for cyanophos pesticide pollution.