Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies on the effects of Ethephon on liver and kidney in male rats

Abstract

Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that can release ethylene which could affect the plant growth and development processes. The current study was conducted to examine the possible toxic effects of Ethephon on both liver and kidneys of male rats. A total of 20 adult male rats were divided randomly into 2 groups, the first group is the control and the second group received Ethephon at a dose (200 mg/Kg body weight/day) for four weeks. At the end of the study Liver and kidney, tissues were taken and examined histopathologically. Intoxication of Ethephon to rats showed marked injury in the liver and kidney. Also, liver and kidney sections in rats intoxicated with Ethephon showed a strong positive affinity for PCNA expressions. Our results indicated that Ethephon could be harmful to the liver and kidney. Awareness must be raised for producers and consumers about the toxic effects of Ethephon.