DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2022.v10i04.037

Pages: 651-654

Background to the study: Dichlorvos (DDVP), commonly regarded as Sniper, is a regular pesticide used in Nigerian homes towards the eradication of pests. However, it is capable of causing adverse effects on the cardiovascular system on exposure to these pesticides while in use. This study was done to investigate the histopathological effects of short-term inhalation exposure to dichlorvos (DDVP) concentration on the cardiac tissues of adult male wistar rats. Methods: Twenty (20) male wistar rats weighing 140g – 180g were recruited for this research and were randomly placed into four (4) groups of five (5) rats per group. Group 1 was control group, while groups 2 – 4 were given 10ml DDVP/90 ml distilled water – v/v, 20ml DDVP/80 ml distilled water – v/v and 40ml DDVP/60 ml distilled water – v/v, respectively. At completion of exposure, rats were anaesthetized with chloroform, sacrificed and their hearts were harvested for routine histopathology procedure. The stained sections were morphologically evaluated and the pictures of the slides compared. Photomicrographs were obtained with the aid of Amscope camera fitted on an Amscope microscope. Results: There were significant histopathological changes in the cardiac tissue architecture in the rat groups exposed to higher concentrations such as loss of cross-striations, degeneration of myocardial fibers, as well as mild signs of congestion of blood vessels. Conclusion: It can be concluded that short-term inhalation exposure to high concentrations of dichlorvos (DDVP) could contribute to toxicological effects of the heart.