Evaluation of toxicological and behavioral symptoms on deltamethrin treated albino rats

Abstract

Introduction Deltamethrin, a type-II synthetic pyrethroid with potential insecticidal property is extensively used as used as an ectoparasiticide in crop protection and public health programme. 1 Extensive studies on animals revealed that deltamethrin are particularly toxic to neurons, acting directly on the axon by interference with sodium channel gating mechanism that underlines the generation and conduction of nerve impulses. 2 Recently, toxicity has been reported in experiments on mice, rat, rabbit and guinea pig via dermal, oral and inhalational routes. These were in form of, excessive salivation, impaired limb function, ataxia, loss of righting reflex, lethality, paraesthesias, choreoathetosis, tremors, rarely paralysis and convulsions. 3-6 Deltamethrin administered during period of major organogenesis reduced the average weight of the live fetuses. 7 A few occupational hazards in human beings during manufacturing and handling are transient cutaneous and mucous membrane irritation, itching, dizziness, abnormal facial sensations and allergic reactions. 8 The indiscriminate and injudicious use of pesticides poses threat to human health. As pesticide residue concentration enter food chain and exceeds the maximum limit, ill effects are produced. 9 Humans are increasingly exposed to pesticides at all stages of life due to changed lifestyle but there is dearth of studies on the behavior changes caused by deltamethrin exposure. Hence the objective of this study was to determine deleterious effects on behavior in albino rat, including motor/coordination abilities and overall activity due to deltamethrin exposure. Materials and methods Animals The rats were procured from the animal house of University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and Guru Teg Bhadur (G.T.B) Hospital, Delhi. Male and female albino rats, weighing 250-270 gm, and about 90 days old were used. The animals were housed in propylene cages (32 X 40 X 18 cm) under controlled temperature (22-24 ° C), in a 12-hour light; 12-hour dark schedule, with free access to food and water. The experiments were carried out according to the national regulations and rules for animal welfare and guidelines of Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC), UCMS and G.T.B. Hospital, Delhi. The rats were acclimatized for one week before starting the treatment. Abstract Background: Pesticides are one of the most alarming toxic substances that are deliberately added to our environment. Deltamethrin, a Type-II synthetic pyrethroid used to control a variety of insects in agriculture and domestic environments. Its extensive commercial use has lead to inescapable concern over the potential adverse effects on the human health. The present study investigated the deleterious effects on behavior in albino rats, including motor coordination abilities and overall activity.