Dichlorvos Pesticide Inhalation affects Birth Weight but not Litter Number or Gestational Period of Pregnant Wistar Rats
Keywords:
Dichlorvos, Inhalation, Mating, Birth-weightAbstract
Reproductive outcomes of dichlorvos inhalation were determined in eight female wistar rats (unexposed control group and dichlorvosexposed
group). Dichlorvos was prepared in a dilution of 1:1 as for domestic use. Dichlorvos exposure was performed for four hours
daily by placing freshly prepared mixture in a poorly-ventilated compartment into which rats were introduced. Exposed group of rats
were exposed for one week before mating and continued until delivery. Number of litters delivered and birth weight were recorded.
There was no significant difference in the mean number of litters delivered by exposed mother rats when compared to unexposed mother
rats. A significant reduction in litter weight from exposed mother rats when compared with litters from unexposed mother rats was
observed. It was concluded from this study that dichlorvos exposure adversely affect birth weight.