The effect of beta-cyfluthrin on the reproductive function of female Wistar Hannover rats

Beta-cyfluthrin is the 2nd generation pirethroid, that is used as a broad-spectrum insecticide. The effect of the original beta-cyfluthrin molecule on reproductive function has not been studied. The assessment of possible reproductive toxicity of betacyfluthrin was based on the results of themulti-generational rat studyof cyfluthrin. Aim. To investigate the effect of beta-cyfluthrin on the reproductive function of femaleWistar Hannover rats during gametogenesis. Materials and Methods. Beta-cyfluthrin was administered per os 5 times a week by gavage in the form of an aqueous emulsion to two groups of females (20 animals each) in doses 3 and 30 mg/kg bw/day during 9 weeks. Control animals received distilled water with the addition of an emulsifier. In parallel with the control and experimental females, intact males were contained for mating. The estrous cycle was studied in female rats in the last 2 weeks of exposure to beta-cyfluthrin. After the period of exposure, the experimental females were mated with intact males for no longer than 3 weeks. On the 20th day of gestation, the experimental rats were euthanized to assess reproductive parameters. Results. The decrease in the body weight gain at a dose of 30 mg/kg establishes the general toxic effect of beta-cyfluthrin on female rats. It was also installed, that the test substance affects the estrous cycle of females, namely the duration of the proestrus stage, which received the maximum dose. The dose of 3 mg/kg bw/day had no effect on the reproductive function of females and no statistically significant changes were found between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion. Based on the results of the gonadotoxicity study, it can be concluded that beta-cyfluthrin has a general toxic effect and reproductive toxicity at a dose of 30 mg/kg bw/day. The no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was set at 3 mg/kg bw/day. Keywords: beta-cyfluthrin, pirethroid, reproductive function, estrous cycle, rats Wistar Han.