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Effects of amitraz given by different routes on rats
A A al-Qarawi1, M S al-Damegh, S E Adam
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, King Saud University, Buraidah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Three-mo-old male Wistar rats were sprayed with 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm amitraz 2 w apart or given single doses of 50, 100, or 250 mg/kg p.o, i.m. or i.p. No effects were observed in the amitraz-sprayed rats. Single doses of amitraz p.o, i.m. or i.p. was non-toxic at 50 mg/kg, toxic at 100 mg/kg and lethal at 250 mg/kg within 24 h of dosing. Survivors were killed 48 h post-dosing. Features of toxicity were depression, incoordination of movement, paresis of the limbs, hepatonephrotoxicity, muscular hemorrhage at site of injection and peritonitis following i.p. injection. These changes, accompanied by leucopenia, were correlated with alterations in serum AST and concentrations of serum constituents. Amitraz did not inhibit serum ChE activity.
Insights
Amitraz is non-toxic when sprayed on rats. However, single oral, intramuscular, or intraperitoneal doses of 100 mg/kg are toxic, and 250 mg/kg are lethal, causing significant adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Pharmacology
Background:
- Amitraz is an acaricide and insecticide.
- Understanding its toxicological profile is crucial for safe application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxicity of amitraz in Wistar rats via different administration routes.
- To determine dose-dependent toxic effects and lethal doses.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed to amitraz via spraying or single doses (oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal).
- Doses ranged from 250 ppm (sprayed) to 250 mg/kg (single dose).
- Clinical signs, toxicity, and serum biochemistry were assessed.
Main Results:
- Spraying amitraz at up to 2000 ppm showed no adverse effects.
- Single oral, intramuscular, or intraperitoneal doses of 50 mg/kg were non-toxic.
- Doses of 100 mg/kg caused toxicity, while 250 mg/kg were lethal within 24 hours.
- Observed toxicities included depression, incoordination, limb paresis, hepatonephrotoxicity, hemorrhage, and peritonitis.
- Leukopenia and alterations in serum AST and constituents were noted.
- Amitraz did not inhibit serum cholinesterase (ChE) activity.
Conclusions:
- Amitraz exhibits significant dose-dependent toxicity and lethality when administered systemically (oral, IM, IP) to rats.
- The route of administration and dosage are critical factors in amitraz toxicity.
- Amitraz does not appear to inhibit cholinesterase activity.
