Rajawat_2019_Toxicol.Ind.Health_35_358

The present study was planned to evaluate neurotoxic effects of beta-cyfluthrin in female Swiss albino mice. Two doses of beta-cyfluthrin, specifically, one-tenth of median lethal dose (LD50) and one-twentieth of LD50, were selected for the study. Open-field behaviour, exploratory behaviour and emotional status were affected, and animals showed anxiety-like behaviour after beta-cyfluthrin administration. Spatial learning was decreased using the Hebb-Wiliams maze. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity significantly decreased in the treated animals. The administration of beta-cyfluthrin caused increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in brain tissue. In conclusion, beta-cyfluthrin caused neurotoxicity as well as oxidative damage in the brain of Swiss albino mice at the tested dose levels.