Effects of dichlorvos treatment on mouse reproduction

To test whether exposure to dichlorvos vapors for treatment of mouse ectoparasites resulted in temporary cessation of breeding, we exposed harem breeding groups of mice to varying concentrations of dichlorvos vapors and examined the effects of exposure on litter frequency and litter size. All exposure levels resulted in decreased plasma cholinesterase concentrations in treated mice for up to 10 days following the completion of exposure. Litter frequency and size were unaffected by dichlorvos exposure, and gestation times were not prolonged. Therefore, treatment with dichlorvos vapors during breeding did not affect reproduction in exposed mice.