Alteration in estrous cycle, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in female rat after exposure to lambda cyhalothrin and its attenuation by taurine

Abstract

Lambda cyhalothrin, a broad spectrum pyrethroid, is being extensively used against a wide range of pests in agricultural practices. The present study was highlighted to investigate the effects of the lambda cyhalothrin on estrous cycle and oxidative stress in rat ovary, also to find out the protective role of taurine against lambda cyhalothrin induced ovarian toxicity. Mature 36 female Wistar rats were divided in six groups and they were received oral administration of lambda cyhalothrin at two dose levels (8.33 and 16.66 mg/kg body wt) for consecutive14 days. Taurine (50mg/kg body wt) was treated before lambda cyhalothrin administration in the combined taurine-lambda cyhalothrin treated groups. Lambda cyhalothrin caused significant alterations in estrous cycle with an increase in diestrous index compared to control rats. Lambda cyhalothrin treatment also produced oxidative stress in ovary by significant increase in malondialdehyde level, accompanied by a reduction in reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase). The present study revealed that the pretreatment of taurine was able to ameliorate lambda cyhalothrin induced ovarian oxidative stress.