Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide that is widely used throughout the world for higher agricultural production. Its extreme toxicity, however, has caused health and environment concerns that have led to an interest in detoxification. In this study, the radiolytic degradation of endosulfan was investigated. Endosulfan in methanol solution (100 ppm) was irradiated at 0, 10, 30, and 50 kGy, and subsequent changes in immune toxicity and degradation of endosulfan were observed. The concentration of endosulfan that was used in this experiment did not affect the cell proliferation. The irradiation of endosulfan decreased the production of NO, indicating a decrease in the immune toxicity of endosulfan by irradiation. The concentration of endosulfan was significantly reduced by irradiation in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that gamma irradiation can degrade endosulfan and can reduce its immune toxicity.

• 김현주(충남대학교 동물자원생명과학부) | Hyun Joo Kim
• 김태훈(대구한의대학교 한약재약리학과) | Tae Hoon Kim
• 함준상(농촌진흥청 국립축산과학원) | Jun Sang Ham
• 김기혁(우송대학교 외식조리영양학부) | Keehyuk Kim
• 조철훈(충남대학교 동물자원생명과학부) | Cheorun Jo Corresponding author