Histopathology of Organs from Neonate Offspring Born to Female Rats Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Biological and Synthetic Insecticides

Abstract

SUMMARY:The current annual consumption of insecticides in agriculture in Brazil is over three million tons. The exposure happens through food that is contaminated with toxic waste and respiratory and dermal absorption. Biological control with Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) has assumed increasing importance replacing the use of conventional insecticides. However, the tests used to justify approval for use and market release of Bt products, and the protocols used to assess the development of toxicity, are extremely superficial. In addition, more studies comparing effects between males and females and during pregnancy and lactation have not been conducted. Thus, the hypothesis tested in this study was if the administration of the XenTari® WG (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Aizawai) biological insecticide and Decis® 25CE (Deltamethrin) synthetic insecticide, at concentrations that do not cause clinical signs of maternal toxicity, could interfere in the histophysiology of the organs of neonate rats. Thirty-five pregnant albino rats, Rattus norvegicus albinus, were randomly distributed in seven groups: Group I received placebo (water); Groups II, III, and IV received 1.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg of XenTari®/kg respectively; and Groups V, VI, and VII received 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg of Deltamethrin/kg, respectively. The results showed that the highest doses of insecticides reduced the number of neonates. No histopathological alterations were observed in the kidneys, however, lipidosis, diffuse mononuclear inflammatory cells, and sinusoids congestion were observed in the liver. Rats from groups IV and VII presented atresia in the ovaries. Neonates from Group IV showed congestion and hemosiderin deposition in the testicle's blood vessels, which is characteristic of a process of hemolysis. In conclusion, both insecticides presented similar effects on organs and number of neonates born to rats exposed to sub-lethal doses that did not cause clinical symptoms of maternal intoxication.

Insecticidal and Repellent Effects of the Essential Oils Extract from Zanthoxylum myriacanthum against Three Storage Pests

“…Santos et al. found that rats exposed to high concentrations of synthetic insecticides were prone to inflammatory responses, and the number of neonatal rats was significantly reduced [11] . Liu et al.…”

“…[10] Santos et al found that rats exposed to high concentrations of synthetic insecticides were prone to inflammatory responses, and the number of neonatal rats was significantly reduced. [11] Liu et al found that synthetic insecticides were neurotoxic to zebrafish (Danio rerio) and prone to developmental malformations in the larval stage. [12] Synthetic insecticides can cause acute and chronic cholinergic effects, and prolonged exposure may lead to headaches, dizziness, and skin problems in humans.…”

Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis in aqueous suspension on the South American common frog Leptodactylus latrans (Anura: Leptodactylidae) tadpoles

“…The effects of Bti on amphibians have received little attention, but it has been suggested that Bti endotoxins are not a direct toxic concern for amphibians (Mathavan and Velpandi, 1984;Paulov, 1985). Accordingly, Dos Santos et al (2013) discuss that the tests used to justify approval for use and release of Bt products into the market, as well as the protocols used to assess its toxicity, are extremely superficial.…”