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Published on: November 20, 2015
Neurodevelopmental consequences of gestational and lactational exposure to pyrethroids in rats
Farah Syed1, P J John1, Inderpal Soni1
1Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302004, India.
Insights
Pyrethroid pesticides like bifenthrin and β-cyfluthrin can harm children's development. This study found these chemicals impaired growth, behavior, and brain function in young rats, indicating potential neurotoxicity risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Toxicology
Background:
- Pyrethroid pesticides are widely used, raising concerns about their impact on child development and neurotoxicity.
- Understanding the specific risks of common pyrethroids, such as bifenthrin and β-cyfluthrin, is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the developmental neurotoxicity of bifenthrin (BIF) and β-cyfluthrin (CYF) in a rat model.
- To assess the effects of gestational and lactational exposure on physical development, growth, and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant rats were orally exposed to BIF or CYF (1/15 LD50) throughout gestation and lactation.
- Neonatal and adult offspring were assessed for physical development, growth, viability, and various behavioral endpoints.
- Biochemical analyses measured oxidative stress markers and enzyme activities (catalase, SOD, GPx, AChE) in brain regions.
Main Results:
- β-cyfluthrin (CYF) significantly impaired pup growth and survival, and affected neonatal and adult behaviors.
- Bifenthrin (BIF) exposure led to impaired neonatal pivoting, reduced adult motor activity, and poorer motor coordination.
- Both BIF and CYF caused increased oxidative stress and reduced key enzyme activities in the brains of weanlings.
Conclusions:
- Pyrethroid exposure during critical developmental periods can induce lasting neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits.
- Bifenthrin and β-cyfluthrin exhibit distinct neurotoxic profiles, affecting growth, behavior, and brain biochemistry.
- These findings highlight the potential risks of pyrethroid exposure to children's neurological development.
Abstract:
Indiscriminate use of pyrethroids has raised serious health related concerns, especially about their effects on children. The present study was designed to assess the developmental neurotoxicity of two pyrethroids; bifenthrin (BIF) and β-cyfluthrin (CYF) administered at 1/15 of LD50 in rats. Pregnant females were exposed to the test compounds orally throughout gestation and lactation periods. Neonates were weighed and sexed at birth and were observed for any gross abnormality. Growth, viability and weaning indices were calculated during the lactation period. Exposure to both the compounds did not alter the physical developmental parameters viz. eye opening, pinna detachment, and fur appearance. CYF significantly impaired growth and survivability of pups. Behavioral endpoints assessed in neonates (surface righting, pivoting, and negative geotaxis reflex) as well as adults (motor activity and motor coordination) exhibited marked effect of CYF treatment. Administration of BIF to pregnant dams impaired pivoting in neonates. Decreased locomotion in the open-field and impaired rota-rod performance were also witnessed in BIF-exposed animals. Enhanced oxidative stress was seen in corpus striatum, cerebellum, and hippocampus regions of the brain; reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in BIF and CYF treated weanlings. Acetylcholinesterase activity was also found to be lowered following administration of both compounds at PND 21. The present results suggest that exposure to pyrethroids during critical periods of growth can induce long term effects on the behavior of animals. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1761-1770, 2016.
