Cytogenetic effect of supermethrin in pig and cattle peripheral lymphocytes

The synthetic pyrethroid insecticide supermethrin (RS)-alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-(1RS)cis-3 (2,2-dichlorvinyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane carboxylate, was tested for its clastogenic ability in in vitro assays. Cultured pig and cattle peripheral lymphocytes were used for in vitro clastogenicity evaluation in the absence of S-9 mix. The final concentrations were 6 x 10(-6)M, 6 x 10(-5)M and 6 x 10(-4) M. NO significant differences were detectable in supermethrin's clastogenic potency at concentrations of 6 x 10(-6)M and 6 x 10(-5)M, respectively, in cattle. The highest concentration was positive (P < 0.05) and a decrease of mitotic index (MI) was also observed. The pig peripheral lymphocytes showed clastogenic effect (P < 0.05) at concentrations 10(-5)M and 6 x 10(-4)M. Cytotoxic effect expressed by MI value was also more perspicuous. Supermethrin was investigated for the induction of sister chromatide exchanges (SCE) in pig and cattle peripheral lymphocytes, but inadequate results of genotoxic potency not corresponding to the concentrations were found. The tested pyrethroid was characterized as more toxic than clastogenic or genotoxic.