The effects of malathion on some hormone levels and tissues secreting these hormones in rats.
Two dosage levels of malathion (10 and 100 mg/kg) were given po to albino rats daily for 15 w. The effects of malathion on T3, T4, aldosterone, cortisol, testosterone, estradiol 17-beta, and on the tissues secreting these hormones were investigated. Analysis of T3, T4, testosterone and estradiol 17-beta showed no difference in response while 10 mg aldosterone/kg showed a decrease. Serum cortisol also decreased in the same rats. Ovaries and thyroid glands in all groups had no histopathological changes, but slight changes were present in testes and adrenal glands of the dosed rats.