IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Megha Kansal; Gurinder K Sangha

Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2017

Histological and biochemical alterations in female albino rats fed with Bt and NonBt cotton seeds during pregnancy and lactation

Megha Kansal, Gurinder K Sangha

Abstract :

Bt cotton, a genetically engineered form of natural cotton, has oad spectrum use in agriculture due to its higher agronomic productivity and increased pest resistance. But still there is debate on GM crops with respect to health and other bio–safety issues. The objective of this study was to investigate the Bt and Non–Bt induced changes in vital organs of female albino rats. The female rats of the experimental groups were fed with either the diet containing 20% Bt–cotton seeds or 20% Non–Bt cotton seeds or standard rat diet depending on their groups during the periods of gestation and lactation. After weaning the parental female rats were sacrificed and vital organs and glands excised and weighed. Significant increase in relative weight of stomach was observed in Bt and Non–Bt cotton seed fed rats as compared to control rats. Significant increase in plasma total proteins, albumin and creatinine level was recorded in Bt–cotton seed fed rats. Histopathological changes such as slight enlargement of sinusoids and degeneration in hepatic cords was observed in liver of Bt treated rats. Therefore, the results suggested that in a short term feeding of rats fed with GM cotton showed some effects in female rats fed during pregnancy and gestation.