Endosulfan-induced hepatotoxicity is route of exposure independent in rats.

Endosulfan is an important hepatotoxic agent that generates free oxygen radicals in liver. With the widespread use of endosulfan in agriculture, human beings are most likely to be exposed to it by eating food contaminated with endosulfan, exposure to its low levels by skin contact with contaminated soil, smoking cigarettes made from tobacco that has endosulfan residues on it, or by nose and whole body inhalation exposure in the farms during its application. Since endosulfan is a frequently used pesticide, and the incidence of toxic injury to the liver tissue in relation to its widespread use reported in the literature, we considered it necessary to investigate whether endosulfan-induced liver injury could be route of exposure dependent.