Abstract
The subacute effects of the neem pesticide, Vepacide, on metabolic enzymes in rats were investigated. Pesticide concentrations of 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg/d were used over a 90-d exposure period. At the highest dose, toxic signs were observed, while at the medium dose, toxicity was less severe, and no toxicity was observed at the low dose. The high dose resulted in a significant decrease in cytochrome P-450 in liver and lung at 45 and 90 d, while the medium dose caused these decreases at 90 d. All three doses decreased cytochrome P-450 enzymes in kidney. The two higher doses reduced liver, lung, and kidney concentrations of cytochrome b sub(5) at 45 and 90 d, and brain cytochrome b sub(5) in brain at 90 d. In liver and brain, cytochrome P-450 reductase was decreased significantly at 45 and 90 d at the two higher doses. The alterations in enzyme activities were reversible 28 d after cessation of treatment.