Effect of cypermethrin-treated lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on wistar rat liver

Article history: Received on: 08/11/2012 Revised on: 29/11/2012 Accepted on: 15/12/2012 Available online: 28/01/2013 In this study, assessment of the potential effect of cypermethrin-treated lettuce on the rat liver physiology is carried out. Cypermethrin-treated lettuce and three doses of cypermethrin (CY) were administered during 28 days to rats. Along the experimental period, animal behavior was assessed, and at the end of administration, some hepatic enzymes were studied. The decrease in rat body weight was noted and animals have soft feces. Results showed plasmatic concentrations of ALAT, ASAT and total bilirubin increase in rats administered with cypermethrin-treated lettuce. The plasmatic concentration of total protein is not decreased significantly. Those results indicate that lettuce collected without waiting for the recommended pre-harvest intervals, might cause hazardous effects to vegetable consumers. Further investigations are needed to quantify pesticides such as cypermethrin in vegetables sold in the local market for consumption.