The present study was designed to investigate the potential toxicological interactions of concurrent oral administration of ochratoxin A (OTA) and endosulfan in the pregnant rabbit and developing embryos. For this purpose, 45 female rabbits were divided into nine equal groups (A-I). The rabbits in group A were kept as control, while those in group B to I were given OTA (0.03, 0.06mg/kg BW) and endosulfan (1.0 to 1.5mg/kg BW) for 15 day (day 6 to 20 of gestation). Half of the rabbits were euthanized at the end of experimental feeding period and embryos were collected, weighed and their crown to rump lengths were recorded. Blood samples for hematological and serum biochemical profiling and tissue for histopathological studies were collected. From the remaining sets of rabbits litter size and weight were recorded. Serum urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher in the groups of rabbits treated with either OTA or endosulfan. A significant reduction in the length and weights of fetuses and birth weight was recorded in the treated groups. A significant reduction in hematological parameters, including cell counts was noted in the groups given both chemicals in combination. Histopathological alteration included fatty change in hepatocyte, hemorrhage and congestion in the liver parenchyma, glomerular shrinkage, tubular degeneration and accumulation of protein rich fluid in the renal parenchyma were recorded.  The intestine showed sloughing, degeneration and decrease in villi length. All these changes showed dose dependent increase and more prominent in the co-contaminated groups.

Key words: Endosulfan, Ochratoxin A, Pathology, Pregnant rabbits