Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Assessing Cytotoxicity of Metabolites of Typical Triazole Pesticides in Plants
Published on: December 22, 2023
Biotransformation and enzymatic reactions of synthetic pyrethroids in mammals
Kazuki Mikata1, Naohiko Isobe, Hideo Kaneko
1Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Kasugadenaka, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Synthetic pyrethroids, a major insecticide group, are used worldwide for controlling indoor and agricultural pests. Extensive mammalian metabolism studies have been carried out since the late 1960s, and major metabolic reactions have been found to be oxidation of the acid or alcohol moiety, ester cleavage, and conjugation reactions. In addition, various conjugation reactions occur in mammals, forming hydrophilic and lipophilic conjugates. Pyrethroids are generally rapidly metabolized in mammals and completely excreted from the body in a short period. Human and laboratory animals share similar metabolic reactions for pyrethroids. Oxidation reactions in humans are mediated by several CYP isoforms. On the other hand, ester bonds of pyrethroids are hydrolyzed mainly by carboxylesterase(s).
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Phase I Reactions: Oxidation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Carbon-Containing Systems
Oxidation reactions are fundamental in aromatic carbon-containing systems. An example is the hydroxylation of phenobarbital, a process that transforms it into...
Drug Metabolism: Phase II Reactions
Phase II Reactions: Miscellaneous Conjugation Reactions
A key example involves the conjugation of cyanide ions, which impair cellular respiration and alter hemoglobin into non-oxygen-carrying cyanmethemoglobin. To neutralize this threat, a sulfur atom from thiosulphate is transferred to the cyanide ion, catalyzed by the enzyme rhodanese, resulting in an inactive compound called thiocyanate. The production of...

