Neurobehavioral Alterations Induced by Cyfluthrin in Male Swiss Albino Mice

β-Cyfluthrin, is a broad-spectrum type II synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. People are exposed to cyfluthrin by consuming contaminated food and from residues persisting after indoor or outdoor applications of cyfluthrin containing products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurobehavioral toxicity of cyfluthrin after oral administration to Swiss albino mice. Male weanlings (21 days old) were selected and divided into two groups. Group I received low dose i.e. 14.55 mg/kg (1/20of LD50) and Group II received high dose i.e. 29.10 mg/kg body weight (1/10of LD50) upto postnatal day (PND) 60. Control animals received only the vehicle i.e. corn oil, by oral intubation. All the animals were observed daily for food consumption; observations for locomtory, exploratory and emotional behaviors were taken on every alternate day, by using open field arena and hole-board. Learning and memory was assessed with Hebb-William’s maze. On PND 60 the animals were sacrificed and brain was dissected out. The neurosomatic index i.e. brain weight to body weight ratio was estimated. Acetylecholinesterase enzyme activity in brain tissue was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Pesticide administration to mice caused cholinergic signs viz. excitability, salivation, tremors and lethargy. Learning and memory in treated animals decreased. A significant decrease in open field activity and exploratory behavior occurred. Emotional behavior was also affected as indicated by increase in fecal boles and frequency of urination, which is a sign of anxiety. Neurosomatic index was lowered by cyfluthrin. Acetylcholinesterase activity in brain was significantly decreased. Exposure to animals to β-cyfluthrin thus elicited significant changes in neurosomatic, neurochemical and neurobehavioral parameters studied.