The effects of hydrogen cyanamide (dormex) on the brain and lungs of albino rats and the potential protective impact of vitamin E

Objectives: Hydrogen cyanamide is the active gradient of dormex, which is sprayed on grapes for early bud break. The aim of the work: This study aims to detect the toxic effect of dormex on the brain and lungs of albino rats and the protective role of vitamin E. Methodology: This experimental study was conducted on forty-eight albino rats. They were divided randomly into four groups, with 12 rats in each group. Group I (control group) received saline. Group II received tocopherol (2 mg/kg). Group III received dormex (4 ml/kg). Group IV was given 4 mL/kg dormex and 2 mg/kg tocopherol. After 12 hours, venous blood samples were drawn for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and then all rats were sacrificed for histopathological studies, malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase. Dormex caused a significant increase in brain and lung MDA (0.001**), a significant decrease in brain and lung catalase (0.001**), and a significant decrease in serum total antioxidant capacity (0.001**). Vitamin E + dormex significantly reduced MDA in the brain and lungs (0.001**), significantly increased catalase in the brain and lungs (0.001**), and significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (0.001**). Histopathological examination of the brain and lungs in the dormex group showed marked inflammatory changes, but in the group of dormex + vitamin E, mild inflammatory changes were detected. Conclusion: The present study concluded that dormex has highly toxic effects on the brain and lungs of rats, and vitamin E could prevent these dangerous effects.