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Embryotoxic and teratogenic studies of phosphamidon in Swiss albino mice
1Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
Abstract:
Phosphamidon, an organophosphate pesticide, is little known for its possible effects on mammalian conceptus. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate its embryotoxic and teratogenic effects on Swiss albino mice. Female mice of similar age and weight were divided into four experimental groups. The animals of groups I and II received 15 and 35 ppm phosphamidon ad libitum, respectively, during the entire gestational period, that is, from days 1 to 18. Groups III and IV were treated before mating with 35 ppm phosphamidon for 30 and 60 days, respectively, and the treatment was continued during pregnancy up to the 18th day. The autopsies were performed on the 18th day of gestation, and routine teratological observations were made. The lower dose did not produce significant effects. The higher dose reduced the number of implants, litter size, and foetal weight and increased the resorption of embryos when administered for 30 days prior to mating. Exposure to the pesticide for 60 days prior to mating and during gestation, however, did not produce significant effects. It appears that the mice probably developed some resistance to the pesticide, when exposed for such a long duration.
Insights
This study investigated phosphamidon
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Organophosphate pesticides like phosphamidon are widely used but their effects on mammalian reproduction are not well-understood.
- Understanding the embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of pesticides is crucial for public health and environmental safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of phosphamidon on Swiss albino mice.
- To assess the impact of different exposure durations and timings on reproductive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Swiss albino mice were exposed to varying doses of phosphamidon (15 and 35 ppm) during gestation or prior to mating and throughout gestation.
- Teratological observations and assessments of implantation, litter size, and fetal weight were conducted on day 18 of gestation.
Main Results:
- A higher dose (35 ppm) of phosphamidon administered for 30 days prior to mating and during gestation significantly reduced implants, litter size, and fetal weight, while increasing embryo resorption.
- Lower doses (15 ppm) showed no significant effects.
- Exposure to 35 ppm for 60 days prior to mating and during gestation did not yield significant adverse effects, suggesting potential development of resistance.
Conclusions:
- Phosphamidon exhibits dose-dependent embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in mice, particularly when exposure precedes and continues through gestation.
- Longer exposure durations may lead to adaptive resistance in mice, mitigating adverse reproductive outcomes.
