Teratogenicity test of dimethoate containing insecticide formulation and heavy elements (Cu, Cd) in chicken embryos...

The teratogenic effects of heavy elements (Cu-sulphate, Cd-sulphate) and a 38% dimethoate containing insecticide formulation (Bi 58 EC) were studied on chicken after administration as a single compounds or in combination. The test materials were injected directly into the airchamber with an injector on day 12 of incubation. Applied concentrations of heavy elements (Cu-sulphate, Cd-sulphate) were: 0.01-0.001% and the concentration of pesticide was 0.1%. Final volume was 0.1 ml/egg. Evaluation was done on day 19 of incubation. After the administration of heavy elements (Cu-sulphate, Cd-sulphate) on day 12 of incubation, the average body mass of embryos significantly decreased at all the treated dose groups as compared to the control. Embryonic mortality did not increase at all the two dose levels of Cu-sulphate and at 0.001% conc. of Cd-sulphate, while the highest concentration of Cd-sulphate killed 20% of embryos treated. The number of embryos with developmental anomalies did not differ markedly from the control. The simultaneous administration of heavy elements (Cu-sulphate, Cd-sulphate) and dimethoate containing insecticide a statistically significant reduction in embryonic body mass occurred at all the treated dose groups. The incidence of developmental anomalies was markedly higher after the simultaneous use of heavy elements (Cu-sulphate, Cd-sulphate) and dimethoate containing formulation than in tests based on the separate use of heavy elements. Embryonic mortality increased at all the treated dose groups and reached almost 20% rate. In summary, it can be established that the simultaneous administration of heavy elements (Cu-sulphate, Cd-sulphate) and the dimethoate containing insecticide caused higher toxicity with respect to test of individual toxicity of heavy elements.