Immune -Toxicity of Synthetic Pyrethroids: Modulation of Cypermethrin and Permethrin Toxicity by Tamoxifen

Document Type : Research and Reference

Authors

1 Faculty of Science, Minufiya University

2 Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Minufiya University

Abstract

Cypermethrin and permethrin are widely used in the agriculture in many countries. Continuous
low level exposure of human to such chemicals may increase the susceptibility to various
diseases due to the suppression of immune system. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to
evaluate the toxicity of these pesticides at immunological, hematological and biochemical levels
using tamoxifen as a modulatory agent against the toxicity of pyrethroids. The animal groups
were intoxicated for 30 or 60 days with either cypermethrin or permethrin. The single effects of
either pyrethroids or tamoxifen were studied. The double effects of both of tamoxifenpyrethroids
were also investigated. It was found that pyrethroids alone decreased IgG level,
while tamoxifen and tamoxifen plus pyrethroids increased its concentration. Pyrethroids,
tamoxifen and tamoxifen in combination with pyrethroids had an inhibitory effect on
lymphocyte stimulation index measured in vitro, phagocytic function of neutrophil and catalase
activity. These treatment, however, increased relative ear thickness and contact hypersensitivity.
In conclusion, these results raise some concerns about the possibility that tamoxifen may
potentiate or attenuate the effects caused by pyrethroids.

Keywords

Delta Journal of Science
Volume 36, Issue 3
December 2013
Pages 123-138

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics