Acetamiprid-induced cardiotoxicity in rats and the protective role of sodium selenium

This study was conducted to examine the body and heart weights and histopathological damage caused by acetamiprid (ACM), a member of the neonicotinoid group of insecticides, in rats and to evaluate the potential protective role of sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) against these toxic effects. For this purpose, male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into four groups: Control group (n=6, 1mg/kg distilled water), sodium selenite-treated group (n=6, 1mg/kg), acetamiprid-treated group (n=6, 1/10 LD50, 217 mg/kg), sodium selenite + acetamiprid-treated group (n=6, 1mg/kg + 217 mg/kg). The applications were performed orally via gavage in the morning on non-fasting animals and lasted for 4 weeks. At the end of the application period, the rats were euthanized under ketamine + xylazine anesthesia, and their heart tissues were removed, weighed, and examined under a light microscope. No statistically significant changes in relative and absolute organ weights were observed in any of the treatment groups. In contrast, moderate vacuolization, necrotic areas, congestion with mild inflammation, disorganization, and degeneration of cardiac muscle cells were observed in the heart tissues of rats treated with acetamiprid. In the heart tissues of rats treated with sodium selenite + acetamiprid, very mild congestion and necrotic areas were observed. In conclusion, acetamiprid caused histopathological changes in the heart tissues of rats, but sodium selenite significantly reduce acetamiprid induced cardiotoxicity in rats, but not protect completely.