Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
In Vivo Study of Human Endothelial-Pericyte Interaction Using the Matrix Gel Plug Assay in Mouse
Published on: December 19, 2016
In vitro investigation of the effect of permethrin on vascular smooth muscle
Fatma Söğüt1, Coşar Uzun2, Ş Necat Yilmaz3
1Vocational School of Medical Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
Abstract:
Permethrin is an insecticide from the Type-I pyrethroid group widely used in pest control in agricultural fields as well as in public health initiatives. This insecticide may adversely affect non-target organisms. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the functional effect of permethrin on vascular smooth muscles in vitro. Commercially purchased rat aortic smooth muscle cells were used. They were divided as 0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 µM permethrin groups. Cell viability in all groups was recorded for 72 hours with a real-time cell analysis system. KATP channel currents of cells were recorded for each group with patch clamp technique. Current-voltage curves were fitted to the Boltzmann shifted equation to obtain channel conductance values. Cell index value decreased significantly in the 150 µM permethrin group at 48th and 72nd hours compared to the control and 50 µM permethrin groups (p < 0.05). KATP channel conductance was significantly decreased in 100 and 150 µM permethrin groups, compared to the control and 50 µM permethrin groups (p < 0.05). The findings obtained from the study gave clues that permethrin has the potential to cause cardiovascular dysfunction by reducing cell viability and KATP channel conductance in vascular smooth muscles.
Insights
Permethrin insecticide exposure reduced vascular smooth muscle cell viability and KATP channel function. This suggests permethrin may cause cardiovascular dysfunction in non-target organisms.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Permethrin, a Type-I pyrethroid insecticide, is widely used in agriculture and public health.
- Non-target organisms may experience adverse effects from permethrin exposure.
- Vascular smooth muscle function is critical for cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro functional effects of permethrin on rat aortic smooth muscle cells.
- To assess permethrin's impact on cell viability and KATP channel activity.
Main Methods:
- Rat aortic smooth muscle cells were exposed to varying concentrations of permethrin (0, 50, 100, 150 µM).
- Cell viability was monitored for 72 hours using a real-time cell analysis system.
- KATP channel currents and conductance were measured using patch clamp techniques.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in cell viability was observed at 150 µM permethrin after 48 and 72 hours.
- KATP channel conductance was significantly reduced in the 100 µM and 150 µM permethrin groups.
- Permethrin exposure led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and KATP channel function.
Conclusions:
- Permethrin exposure negatively impacts vascular smooth muscle cell viability.
- Permethrin significantly reduces KATP channel conductance in vascular smooth muscle cells.
- These findings suggest permethrin may contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction.
