Biochemical and Metabolic Changes in New Zealand Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cunniculus) Induced By Chloropyrifos

Chloropyrifos induced changes in some enzymes and metabolites activities of New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus) were assessed. The probe organism's mean weight, 1.8-21.0kg were acclimatized to laboratory conditions for 14 days in the department of biological sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State Nigeria. The organisms were exposed to varying sublethal concentrations of the toxicant. The concentration were prepared by pipetting 7.5mls, 15mls, and 22.5mls respectively of the original concentration of the toxicant and making it up to 1.5 litre bore hole water in a metal container to make 1.0gml-1, 2.00mg-1, and 3.00mg-1. Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (AST) were examined in the kidney while acid phosphatase (ALP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed in the liver. A clear inhibition occurred in the kidney AST, while elevation of values characterized kidney ALT, Liver ACP and ALP values were significant (p<0.05). Metabolites (total protein and creatinine) were assayed in the kidney, Diminutive values down the experimental group were recorded in the kidney total protein (in a dose dependent pattern), while creatinine values accelerate in the experimental group compared to the control (not in a dose dependent pattern). It is concluded that phosphatase and transferases as well as total protein and creatinine are useful biomarkers of sublethal effect of chloropyrifos on the probe organism. Additionally, the toxicant presence in the environment may pose a threat to aquatic organisms at high concentrations.