Effects of in vivo exposure to Roundup® on the immune system of Caiman latirostris

LATORRE MARÍA AGUSTINA; LÓPEZ GONZÁLEZ EVELYN C.; POLETTA GISELA L.; SIROSKI PABLO A.

Manila

Congreso; 21st Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group.; 2011

IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Roundup® (RU, glyphosate-based formulation) on some parameters of the immune system and growth of Caiman latirostris. Seventy two caimans, 20 days age from Proyecto Yacaré (Gob. Santa Fe/MUPCN) were used. Two groups were exposed to different concentrations of Roundup® (11 and 21 mg/l), taking into account the concentration recommended for its application on the field, while one group was maintained as control, during two months. RU concentration was progressively decreased through the exposure period to simulate glyphosate degradation in water. Animals were measured and weighed at the beginning and the end of the experiment and blood samples taken after exposure to determine total and differential leukocyte count, total protein concentration (TPC) and proteinogram. Results showed a decrease in leukocyte counts and higher percentage of heterophils in animals exposed to RU compared with controls. Besides, a higher TPC with low percentage of F2 protein fraction, and a negative effect on growth were observed in the exposed animals. These results demonstrate that in vivo exposure to Roundup® induced alterations in the immune parameters analyzed, plasma proteins and growth of caimans, providing relevant information of pesticide effects in this important species of Argentinian wetlands.