Paraquat Induced Toxicity in Spleen of Albino Mice

Background: Paraquat is a herbicide, primarily used to control the growth of weeds and grass. This study describes the histological effects of paraquat on the spleen of the mice after single exposure to sub-lethal dose of the drug. Methods: In this Experimental Study fifteen male mice were taken in control group (A) and twenty five in the experimental group (B). Group B received a single dose of paraquat i.e., 20 mg/kg dissolved in 0.2 ml normal saline by an intraperitoneal injection, while each animal in control group A was given an equal amount of normal saline by the same route. All animals were sacrificed on the tenth day of the experiment. The spleen from both groups was histologically examined. Results: The result showed statistically significant difference between the thickness of trabeculae and parenchyma in the two groups. Number of inflammatory cells like neutrophils, lymphocytes and giant cells were also found to be increased in group B and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Paraquat a commonly used herbicide is easily accessible to farmers in developing countries. It has toxic effects on spleen after a single sub-lethal dose in albino mice. This is comparable to its exposure in humans and it should be carefully handled when used as herbicide by farmers.