DEVELOPMENTAL DEFECTS INDUCED BY DICHLORVOS IN MICE

Abstract

The teratogenecity of an organophosphate insecticide, Dichlorvos was tested in developing fetuses of mice. Different concentrations of the insecticide i.e., 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg g-1 body weight were given orally on day 6 of gestation and fetuses were recovered on day 15 of gestation. The body weight and CR length decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in higher dose groups. Some abnormalities including hydrocephaly, gastroschisis, paddle shaped manus and pes, ectopia cordis and patent neurocoele, stenosis of cardiac valve and blood
vessels, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and meningomyocoel were noted. Necrobiosis was evedent in resorbed fetuses. The present study indicates that this insecticide is potentially dangerous to developing fetuses of mice, which may be equally harmful for human development too.