Embryotoxic and teratogenic evaluation of cyfluthrin in Swiss albino mice

Pesticides are known for their toxicity on the mammalian systems including the embryonal development. Cyfluthrin (trade name: Baygon, Solfac) is used commonly in almost every household in India. It is reported to be neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and haematotoxic in rats and to cause miscarriages and resorptions in pregnant rabbits. It was therefore planned to assess its teratogenic potential in Swiss albino mice. Pregnant dams were orally administered two doses of the insecticide (16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg body weight) during the organogenetic phase i.e. days 5-14 of gestation. There occurred a dose related decrease in the weight gained by the females during the gestation period. The higher dose affected the litter size, number of live fetuses, resorptions and the average fetal weight significantly. The fetal anomalies observed were reduced ossification of the skull bones and phalanges and widened cranial sutures.