Effect of Cypermethrin Exposure during Gestation on the Learning and Memory Ability of Pups

Background: The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of oral doses of cypermethrin (CYP) given to pregnant female Wistar rats, on the growing pups’ cognitive ability and developmental processes. Methods: Pregnant female rats were divided into four groups: group I was the control group and the remaining three groups were experimental groups that received CYP orally at a dose of 25 mg/kg (group II), 50 mg/kg (group III)and 75 mg/kg (group IV) body weight of rats from gestation day 6 (GD 6) till parturition. Pregnant female rats were closely monitored throughout the experiment to look for behavioural abnormalities, toxicity indicators and mortality. Result: In 50 mg and 75 mg groups, pregnant females showed some signs of toxicity such as diarrhoea, respiratory distress, tilted neck and convulsion attacks. Less gain in body weight of exposed females was also noted. Additionally, the developmental study reported that the body weight and length of the treated females’ pups were significantly reduced. The pups of all experimental group females exhibited a significant increase in their fur arrival and eye-opening times. The results of the Morris water maze (MWM) demonstrated that learning and memory were significantly compromised in pups exposed to CYP during pregnancy. The cognitive ability of pups was negatively impacted due to maternal CYP exposure. Therefore, the current study concluded that CYP exposure during gestation has a detrimental effect on the neurodevelopment of the pups as well as on the behaviour of the mothers.