The Injury in Pulmonary Tissue Following Fipronil Exposure in Male Albino Rats and The Protective Role of Vitamin E (Histological and Immune-Histochemical Study)

Background: The extensive use of fipronil exposes mammals to this hazardous environmental toxin. It is transformed into many components, which affects GABA-gated chloride channels in mammals. Vitamin E (Vit E) is one of the fat-soluble vitamins and is abundant in vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, and cereal and has an antioxidant effect.
Aim of the work: Evaluate the effects of fipronil on the lung tissue of rats and the possible protective effects of Vit E. Material and methods: Thirty adult male albino rats, 200 - 250 gm, were partitioned into:- group I (control): formed of 10  rats taking regular diet and water, group II (fipronil treated): 10  rats took fipronil at a dose of 20 mg/kg,  orally once daily for 5 days only, and group III (fipronil and Vit E treated ): 10  rats got Vit E at a portion of 1000 mg/kg orally once daily for 2 weeks then fipronil given as the previous dose orally once daily during the last 5 days.
Results: In the group treated with fipronil there was destruction in the bronchi and alveoli present in alveolar septa, excessive collagen deposition presented around a bronchiole and the alveolar wall using Masson trichome stain, and positive expression of (TNF-α and caspas-3). Vit E had a moderate effect in a damaged cell but a sign of inflammation was still present in the cell. Conclusion: Fipronil causes damage to the tissue of the lung and vitamin E has a weak effect on the protection of the lung against fipronil.