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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Bioassays for Monitoring Insecticide Resistance
Published on: December 30, 2010
Studies on commercial insecticides with the dominant lethal mutations test
1Department of Plant Cytology and Cytochemistry, University of Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
The dominant lethal test was performed on male Balb/c mice to examine three commercial forms of insecticide demeton, dichlorvos and endosulfan (Metasystox I forte, Nogos 50 EC and Thiodan 35, respectively). The assay was done by intraperitoneal treatment of animals both acutely (1 dose) and subacutely (5 daily administrations). The number of total implantations differed from the control value only after five-fold injection of dichlorvos. There was no statistically-significant decrease in the number of live implantations. The frequency of postimplantation lethality was no significantly increased over the control level.
Insights
This study found that common insecticides like demeton, dichlorvos, and endosulfan did not significantly increase lethality in mouse embryos. No significant adverse effects on reproductive health were observed in male mice exposed to these pesticides.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Pesticide Safety
Background:
- Insecticides are widely used in agriculture and public health.
- Assessing the reproductive toxicity of common pesticides is crucial for human and environmental safety.
- The dominant lethal test is a standard assay for evaluating mutagenic and teratogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dominant lethal effects of three commercial insecticides: demeton, dichlorvos, and endosulfan.
- To determine if acute or subacute exposure to these insecticides impacts male mouse reproductive health and embryonic viability.
- To assess the potential for postimplantation lethality following insecticide exposure.
Main Methods:
- The dominant lethal test was conducted on male Balb/c mice.
- Animals were administered insecticides (demeton, dichlorvos, endosulfan) via intraperitoneal injection.
- Exposure was either acute (single dose) or subacute (five daily administrations).
- Evaluated parameters included total implantations, live implantations, and postimplantation lethality.
Main Results:
- Dichlorvos significantly reduced the total number of implantations after five daily administrations.
- No statistically significant decrease in the number of live implantations was observed for any insecticide.
- The frequency of postimplantation lethality did not significantly increase compared to control groups.
Conclusions:
- Under the tested conditions, demeton, dichlorvos, and endosulfan did not demonstrate significant dominant lethal effects in male Balb/c mice.
- The insecticides did not cause a statistically significant increase in embryonic lethality or postimplantation loss.
- Further research may be warranted to explore potential long-term or different exposure route effects.
