Anatomical Investigation of Glyphosate-Induced Toxicity on the Spleen of Adult Wistar Rats

Glyphosate, a widely used systemic herbicide is known for its effectiveness in weed control due to its specific action on the plant shikimate pathway that is absent in animals. Nevertheless, its safety was being questioned with emerging studies suggesting potential health risks. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the toxicity of glyphosate on the spleen of adult Wistar rats by focusing on the dose-dependent bodily weight changes and structural defects in spleen using appropriate standard procedures. Results showed significant dose-dependent reductions in body weight gain, spleen weight and deranged lieno-somatic indices amongst glyphosate-treated groups. Histopathological examination revealed progressive architectural disruptions in the splenic tissue which were more pronounced with increasing dose of glyphosate, indicating structural and functional impairments. The findings highlightend glyphosate’s potential as an immunotoxin, with notable adverse effects on spleen’s morphology and function. This raises concerns about its widespread usage across the globe, and emphasizes the need for stricter regulatory measures in its use.