Effect of phoxim and amitraz insecticides on fetal development and newborns in rats

ABSTRACT

The present work was carried out to study the effect of phoxim and amitraz insecticides on fetal development and newborns in rats. Oral administration of phoxim in doses of 110 and 220 mg kg[-1] b.wt. to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis significantly increased the number of resorbed fetuses and decreased the number, body weight and length of viable ones. Dilatation of cerebral ventricles, pulmonary hypoplasia and dilatation of renal pelvis were reported as visceral malformations. Skeletal examination of fetuses revealed incomplete ossification of skull bones and aplasia of pelvic girdle bones and sternebrae. Large dose of phoxim caused aplasia of some vertebrae, metacarpals, metatarsals and digits. Pregnant rats were given amitraz orally in doses of 40 and 80 mg kg[-1] b.wt. during the period of organogenesis had resorbed, dead and growth retarded viable fetuses. Anencephaly and dilatation of cerebral ventricles and renal pelvis were observed in the examined fetuses. Skeletal abnormalities of viable fetuses were incomplete ossification of skull bones and aplasia of sternebrae. Large dose of amitraz induced aplasia of some vertebrae, metacarpals, metatarsals and digits. Oral administration of phoxim in doses of 110 and 220 mg kg[-1] b,wt. to pregnant rats from the 15[th] day of gestation till the end of weaning period [the 21[st] day post-parturition] caused a significant decrease in the weight of delivered offsprings. Death of all newborns occurred in the 21[st] and the 14[th] day post-parturition by the small and large doses respectively. Oral administration of amitraz in doses of 40 and 80 mg kg[-1] b.wt. to pregnant rats for the same period significantly decreased the number of delivered offsprings. Death of all newborns occurred in the 14[th] and 4[th] day post-parturition by the small and large dose respectively