Reproductive effects of deltamethrin on male offspring of rats exposed during pregnancy and lactation

The effects of low doses of deltamethrin administered to female rats on the reproductive system of male offspring were examined. The dams (n= 10-12/group) were treated daily by oral gavage with 0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg deltamethrin/kg from day 1 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation. Maternal and reproductive outcome data and male sexual development landmarks were assessed. Fertility, sexual behavior, and a large number of reproductive endpoints, such as organ weights, sperm evaluations, testosterone concentration, and testicular histology were examined on adult male offsprings. No signs of maternal toxicity were detected at the dose levels tested. Significantly adverse effects were only seen on testicular and epididymal absolute weights and the diameter of seminiferous tubules in the group treated with the highest dose of deltamethrin (4.0 mg(kg). The results indicate that in utero and lactational exposure to deltamethrin may induce subtle changes in reproductive behavior and physiology of male offspring rats at dose levels that do not cause maternal toxicity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).