SHORT COMMUNICATION IMMUNOTOXIC RESPONSES OF CYPERMETHRIN, A SYNTHETIC PYRETHROID INSECfICIDE IN RATS

The study was undertaken to evaluate immunotoxic effecls of eypermethrin administered orally (in ground nut oil) to male albino rats at dose levels (mglkg) of 0 (control). 5. 10. 20 and 40 once daily for 90 days. Cypermethrin administration produced a significant leucopenia at 40 mglkg on day 90. A dose dependent decrease (P > 0.05) in delayed type hypersensitvity reaction was noticed on day 61 post treatment. Humoral response as evidenced by serum haemagglutinin and haemolysin titres did not show any definite pattern on day 90. However. a significant decrease in spleen weights and significant increase in adrenal weights was recorded in rals receiving the highest test level. Total body weights and liver weights did not show any significant change with any of the ~ose level studied. Results of the sludy reveal that low doses (5 and 10 mglkg) did not have any adverse effect on the immuno-competence of rats.