EFFECT OF COUMARIN TOXICITY ON ELECTROLYTES BALANCE IN MALE BANDICOTA BENGALENSIS

Bromodiolone belonging to hydroxy coumarin family of anticoagulant is widely established as rodenticidal anticoagulent. Its anticoagulant properties have been proved by the clinical investigations. However, its effect over the electrolyte balance which is a critical factor for cells and tissues function is not yet studied. In the present study, the effect of bromodiolone given as an oral bait to Bandicota bengalensis on its tissue Na-. K+ and Ca++ ions was determined. The levels of Na+ showed a temporal fluctuation in the tissues. On the contrary, the Kions in the tissues decreased. The calcium ion invariably decreased in the liver indicating the lack of sufficient Ca++ ions to promote the function of prothrombin in the blood coagulation. The results reveal that the changes in the Na+. K+ and Ca++ ions reflect upon the general metabolism of the animal and infers loss of protein synthesis and physiological disturbances in the active transport of Na+ and K+ ions.