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Behavioral effects of type II pyrethroid cyhalothrin in rats
D Abbud Righi1, J Palermo-Neto
1Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 05508-900.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|August 30, 2003
Summary
Synthetic pyrethroids like cyhalothrin may cause anxiety. This study found that cyhalothrin induced dose-dependent anxiety-like behaviors and increased corticosterone levels in rats, suggesting anxiety is a symptom of pesticide intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Synthetic pyrethroids, including cyhalothrin, are widely used in agriculture for ectoparasite control in livestock.
- Previous research suggests that type II pyrethroids may induce anxiogenic-like effects in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential anxiogenic-like effects of cyhalothrin exposure in rats.
- To determine the dose-response relationship of cyhalothrin-induced behavioral and physiological changes.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were orally administered cyhalothrin (1.0, 3.0, or 7.0 mg/kg/day) for seven days.
- Neurobehavioral assessments (open-field, elevated plus-maze, social interaction test) and serum corticosterone levels were measured 24 hours post-treatment.
- Picrotoxin was used as a positive control for anxiety.
Main Results:
- Cyhalothrin induced signs of intoxication (salivation, tremors, liquid feces) and reduced locomotor activity.
- Anxiety-like behaviors were observed, including decreased exploration of open/central zones and increased immobility.
- Reduced social interaction and elevated serum corticosterone levels were noted, with effects being dose-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Cyhalothrin exposure causes dose-related anxiety-like symptoms and physiological stress responses in rats.
- Anxiety should be recognized as a potential neurotoxic effect of cyhalothrin and other pesticides.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering neurobehavioral impacts in pesticide risk assessment.