Fipronil is a broad-spectrum phenyl-pyrazole insecticide commonly used in agriculture. However, its residues in the environment pose a toxic threat to animals, bees, aquatic life, and humans, and it has been classified as a carcinogen. The present study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of sub-acute exposure to doses of 50 mg of fipronil (FPN) and 50 mg and 25 mg of nano-fipronil (N-FPN) on hematological parameters in male rabbits over a period of 45 days. The study involved twenty-four male rabbits, aged 11 months and weighing between 800-1200 g, which were randomly assigned to four equal groups. The results showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) in red blood cell count (RBC: 8.667±0.59 × 10^9/L) and an increase (P<0.05) in white blood cell count (WBC: 13.54±0.56 × 10^9/L) in the treated groups compared to the control. Additionally, liver and kidney enzymes were elevated (P<0.05) due to pesticide exposure, with AST at 59.65±1.19 U/L, ALT at 48.76±3.12 U/L, and ALP at 43.89±8.45 U/L. Uric acid levels (7.19±0.10 mg/dL) and urea levels (60.14±4.99 mg/dL) were also higher (P<0.05) compared to the control. Oxidative stress was indicated by elevated (P<0.05) MDA levels (3.89±0.17 nmol/mL) and catalase (CAT: 2.52±0.49 µmol/mL) activity compared to the control group. These findings highlight the adverse effects of fipronil on rabbits and suggest the need for strategies to mitigate exposure to pesticide agents in the environment.
Keywords | Hematological, Physiological, Fipronil, Toxicological, Rabbi