Glyphosate-Induced Changes in Hematological Indices of Male and Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide, is extensively utilized in agricultural and non-agricultural settings for weed management, owing to its cost-effectiveness and potent efficacy. Recent concerns have emerged regarding its adverse impacts on non-target mammalian species, including haematological alterations indicative of systemic toxicity, immunosuppression, and oxidative stress. This study investigated sex-specific and dose-dependent hematotoxin and behavioural effects of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) in Wistar rats. A total number of 120 rats (60 males, 60 females) was orally administered GBH at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 mg/kg over 28 days. The 120 Wistar rats (60 male and 60 female) were divided randomly among twelve plastic cages, with ten rats per cage and six cages per sex. The rats were also divided further into six treatment groups per sex (Groups A–F), with ten animals per group. Experimental treatment was the daily oral intake of a locally used herbicide (Force Up) based on glyphosate with different dosages for 28 subsequent days. Groups A to E were specifically treated with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 dosages of diluted glyphosate, respectively, while Group F was the control and was treated with normal saline. All the treatments were given once daily via a cannula in order to investigate the dose-dependent impacts of glyphosate exposure in both male and female rats. Haematological analysis evaluated parameters including erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (HCT), platelet counts, and erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC). Treated groups exhibited significant reductions in RBC, WBC, Hb, HCT, and platelets, suggesting anaemia, immunosuppression, and potential bone marrow suppression. Elevated MCV and MCH values indicated incipient macrocytic anaemia. Behavioural assays corroborated systemic toxicity, manifesting as lethargy, reduced motor activity, reproductive dysfunction, and mortality at higher doses. Notably, sexually dimorphic responses were observed: females demonstrated heightened reproductive anomalies and alopecic manifestations, while males exhibited pronounced testicular degeneration. These findings underscore GBH’s capacity to induce sex-specific toxicodynamic profiles. The study provides critical evidence of glyphosate’s hematotoxic potential and underscores public health concerns associated with chronic low-dose exposure. It advocates for gender-sensitive toxicological risk assessments and stringent regulatory oversight of herbicide applications.