TOXIC EFFECTS OF CYPERMETHRIN AND METHOMYL IN RATS

MANSOURA MEDICAL JOURNAL ABSTRACT Pesticides are widely used in agriculture and livestock production with potential health hazards. This study aimed to compare toxic effects of sub-lethal doses of cypermethrin and methomyl on rats and to investigate the spontaneous reversibility of these effects after discontinuation of exposure. Fifty adult male rats were randomly divided into three main groups. Group 1 (20 rats) was given cypermethrin orally as 5 mg/kg daily, group 2 (20 rats) was given methomyl orally as 1 mg/kg daily and the third group (10 rats) served as a control. After one month, half of animals (10 rats) from test groups (group 1a and group 2a) beside the control group were weighed and sacrificed. The remaining rats were kept without treatment for 2 weeks then weighed and sacrificed (group 1b and group 2b). Serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and creatinine were determined. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney and testes from each rat were carried out. Results showed that both methomyl and cypermethrin induced reversible toxic effects to liver, kidney and testes. The present results should give continued emphasis to the correct handling and use of these insecticides at the recommended rates, dose and duration.