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The influence of amitraz on biochemical parameters in mice
Ayhan Filazi1, Meltem Sireli, Faruk Kalkan
1Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 06110 Diskapi, Ankara, Turkey. filazi@veterinary.ankara.edu.tr
Abstract:
In this study, the effect of amitraz on biochemical parameters of mice was studied. Mice were given amitraz by gavage at 15 or 45 mg/kg body weight. Since the drug was diluted with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), it was administered to another experimental animal group in order to determine its own effects on biochemical parameters. Following drug administration, 48 hours passed to let hepatic lesions develop and after that 1 mL of blood was taken from each mouse. They were killed by ether euthanasia for histopathological examination. The result of the analyses revealed that amitraz had no effect on serum glucose concentration, whereas DMSO led to a significant decrease in blood sugar concentration. Increase in urea, phosphorous, aspartate transaminase and alanine amino transferase values were observed only in the group given 45 mg/kg body weight amitraz. A decrease in creatinine and alkaline phosphatase concentrations was observed in all groups. No differences were observed in serum calcium and bilirubin concentrations. No pathological changes were detected in the kidneys and livers. It was concluded that, even in asymptomatic amitraz toxicity cases, adverse effects on kidney and liver functions were likely to develop.
Insights
Amitraz did not affect blood glucose, but dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) significantly lowered it. High-dose amitraz increased urea and liver enzymes, while all groups showed decreased creatinine and alkaline phosphatase, indicating potential kidney and liver impacts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amitraz is a common acaricide used in veterinary medicine.
- Understanding its biochemical effects and potential toxicity is crucial for animal health.
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is frequently used as a solvent for drug administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of amitraz on various biochemical parameters in mice.
- To assess the impact of the solvent, DMSO, on these parameters.
- To evaluate potential kidney and liver function alterations following amitraz exposure.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered amitraz (15 or 45 mg/kg) or DMSO via gavage.
- Blood samples were collected 48 hours post-administration for biochemical analysis.
- Histopathological examination of kidneys and livers was performed.
- Parameters analyzed included glucose, urea, creatinine, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine amino transferase, calcium, and bilirubin.
Main Results:
- Amitraz did not alter serum glucose levels, but DMSO caused a significant decrease.
- Increased urea, phosphorous, AST, and ALT were observed only at the 45 mg/kg amitraz dose.
- Creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased across all treatment groups.
- Serum calcium and bilirubin concentrations remained unchanged.
- No significant pathological changes were noted in the kidneys or livers.
Conclusions:
- Amitraz exposure, particularly at higher doses, can lead to adverse effects on kidney and liver function markers.
- DMSO administration alone can significantly impact blood glucose levels.
- Even in cases without overt toxicity symptoms, amitraz may induce subclinical biochemical alterations affecting organ function.
