[Assessment of the chronic toxic action of the herbicide, balagrin, in continuous and intermittent exposure regimens].
Chronic oral toxicity of the herbicide balagrin, a selective and perspective preparation for rural economy, was experimentally studied on 258 Wistar albino rats. Two treatment schedules using the combined trade product (20 percent balan and 80 percent xylol) were assayed: montonous - 1/20 LD50 balagrin (55 mg/kg) and 1/20 LD50 xylol (235 mg/kg), administered every day and every week for 4 months; intermittent - 4 months' every day application on alternate weeks of 1/10 LD50 balagrin (110 mg/kg) and 1/10 LD50 xylol (470 mg/kg) and 8 weeks' application by the same schedule of 1/20 LD50 balagrin and 1/20 LD50 xylol. The results of clinico-laboratory, biochemical and functional investigations showed that the toxic effect was more pronounced with monotonous administrations of the compound. The enzyme activities of HE, OCT and cellular LAP were increased, serum alpha-globulins were reduced, liver tissue ICDH and GIDH was increased, hepatic weight coefficient was reduced and testicular and brain CO activity was decreased. Proceeding from the experimental data, the compound is recommended for periodic application in agricultural practice.