Fetotoxic response of technical quinalphos in rats

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Developmental Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Quinalphos is an organophosphate pesticide.
• Pesticide exposure during pregnancy poses risks to both maternal and fetal health.
• Understanding the toxicological profile of quinalphos is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of quinalphos exposure on pregnant rats and their fetuses.
• To assess potential fetotoxic and teratogenic effects.
• To investigate the impact on maternal and fetal neurochemistry, specifically acetylcholinesterase activity.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant rats were administered quinalphos orally from day 6 to 20 of gestation at doses of 0.5 or 1.5 mg/kg.
• Maternal liver and serum were analyzed for enzymatic and pathomorphological changes.
• Fetal parameters including implantations, resorptions, live fetuses, crown rump length, fetal weight, and skeletal development were assessed.
• Acetylcholinesterase activity in fetal brain and placenta was measured.

Main Results:

• Quinalphos induced enzymatic and mild pathomorphological changes in the liver and brain of dams.
• No significant fetotoxic effects were observed in terms of developmental parameters.
• A few insignificant skeletal deformities were noted.
• Significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was found in fetal brain and placenta, suggesting quinalphos transmigration.

Conclusions:

• Quinalphos exposure at the tested doses caused maternal toxicity but did not result in significant fetotoxicity.
• The inhibition of fetal acetylcholinesterase activity indicates potential neurotoxic risk to the fetus via maternal exposure.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of in utero quinalphos exposure.