Effect of chlorpyrifos on the level of hippocampal caspase 9 in male rats: Short Commuincation

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate pesticide that can damage the nervous system of insects by causing neurotoxicity. Although the molecular mechanisms related to it are not fully understood, some studies have suggested that apoptotic processes are involved. Caspase 9 is a protease that is related to the process of mitochondrial death and is activated during apoptosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of   CPF exposure on Caspase 9 level in the hippocampus of rats.
In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into four groups, including control, sham, CPF 1mg/kg.bw, and CPF 3mg/kg.bw (n=6). Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tucky statistical tests.
The findings pointed to significant differences between control and CPF-1mg (P<0.01), as well as between control and CPF 1mg (P<0.001) groups.The results of this study pointed out that long-term exposure to even low doses of chlorpyrifos can increase the level of hippocampal caspase 9. Furthermore,  receiving chlorpyrifos poison with higher doses caused more toxic effects.