Effect of repeated dermal application of α-cypermethrin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in rats

α-Cypermethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide has a wide use for crop protection and ectoparasitic control in domestic animals. Excessive dermal exposure due to environmental contamination or inadvertent use may result in hazardous effects in man and animals. In present study the various biomarkers for the oxidative stress have been studied in Wister rats. SOD and catalase activities in erythrocytes were significantly decreased after 30 day of dermal exposure although these were initially over expressed. There was significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood GSH level and GPx activities in all the three groups. Enzymatic activity of GST was not significantly affected on any day of the exposure. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte membrane from 10 days onwards exposure was also observed. The evaluated enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the cell suggest that dermal exposure of ?-cypermethrin produces oxidative stress in rats.