Alteration in haematological, biochemical and reproductive indices of Rattus norvegicus treated with lambdacyhalothrin

Abstract

Lambdacyhalothrin (LCT), a type II pyrethroid pesticide, is an efficacious pesticide. Its use in the environment has increased tremendously. Acute and chronic toxic effects of LCT were evaluated in male Rattus norvegicus. Lethal doses (LD) were determined and chronic effects on haematological and biochemical indices, sperm count, motility and morphology and histology of testes were evaluated using 5, 10, 20 and 40% of 96 h LD₅₀. The 96 h LD₅₀ value obtained for treated rats was 9.625 mg/kg bw. A significant reduction in values of packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell count was observed. Marked effects on haematological indices were at 1.925 and 3.850 mg/kg bw as the period of evaluation increased. Increase in mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin with slight variations in rats treated with 1.925 and 3.850 mg/kg bw indicates macrocytic anaemia. Increased serum glucose and cholesterol levels were observed, while a significant reduction in total protein and globulin was dose-dependent. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in sperm count, severe testicular degeneration (at 1.925 and 3.850 mg/kg bw) and increase in aberrant sperm cells at 0.963 and 3.850 mg/kg bw were observed. Inductions of aberrations in treated rats showed the mutagenic potential of LCT. A long-term exposure to this pesticide caused abnormalities and might have reduced the life span of non-target organisms. The outcome of this study will assist in future ecotoxicological evaluations.

Keywords:

• Lambdacyhalothrin
• blood parameters
• rat
• morphology
• aberration

Acknowledgement

TAY is grateful to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology for research grant, Mr Mpama CF of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria for his assistance in histopathology and Dr Azeez MA of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria for useful suggestions.