الفهرس 
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Abstract
Atrazine (Gesaprim®) is the most widely used broad-spectrum herbicide in the universe. Unintentional overspray of Atrazine (ATR) poses a potential immune- and genotoxic impacts. Akropower® is a nutritional adjuvant, consists mainly of licorice root extract fermented with Aspergillus oryzae (glycyrrhizic acid); vitamin c (ascorbic acid) and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT). The molecular mechanisms responsible for ATR-induced immunotoxicity, however, are little understood. We aimed at elucidating the exact immune- and genotoxic mechanisms of ATR in rabbits and the ameliorating role of Akropower® against such toxic effects. Forty male New Zealand white rabbits (1.5 kg ± 20%) were utilized and appointed into 4 equal groups. group 1: control; group 2: Received ATR at 1/10 LD50 (2475 ppm) via food; group 3: Received Akropower at 1 ml/liter/day via drinking water; group 4: Received both ATR and Akropower associatively by the same mentioned dosage and course. Atrazine and Akropower exposure was accomplished for 60 days. Both control and treated animals were vaccinated after 4 weeks of experiment by s/c injection of 0.5 ml of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Atrazine exposure resulted in significant reduction in lymphoid organs weight; significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin levels; significant decrease in serum RHDV antibody titer only after four weeks of vaccination; up-regulation of spleen Fas and Caspase-3 genes; down-regulation of thymus IL- 9 gene; significant decrease in the diameter and thickness of skin reaction to tuberculin; leucopenia; lymphopenia beside induction of oxidative stress (significantly increased blood MDA and decreased GSH level). Histopathological alterations in liver, spleen and thymus gland were also observed. In addition, marked apoptosis in the spleen and thymus gland were recorded on immunohistochemical examination by Caspase-3 technique. On the other hand, marked improvement of the deteriorated parameters and histopathological alterations were recorded on the co-administration of Akropower with Atrazine. In conclusion, induction of apoptosis by over expression of spleen Fas and Caspase-3 genes that mediate the extrinsic pathway; down regulation of thymus IL-9 gene that suppresses cell proliferation and induction of oxidative stress could give a new explanation for the exact immune- and genotoxic mechanisms of Atrazine. Akropower normalizes ATR-induced immune- and genotoxicity by promoting the antioxidant capability and consequently reinforces the immune function and suppresses apoptosis.