Prenatal toxicity assessment: teratogenicity study of the insecticide pyriproxyfen in Wistar rats

This study investigated the prenatal toxicity of the insecticide pyriproxyfen in Wistar rats to detect the possible changes in the fetal development of the progeny exposed during the organogenic period. Three doses of pyriproxyfen (100, 300, and 500mg.kg(-1)) were administered orally to the progenitors, from day 6 to 15 of gestation. The fetuses were processed using the Taylor and Van Dyke modified diaphanization technique to evaluate malformations and skeletal changes. The results did not demonstrate the occurrence of systemic maternal toxicity or changes in the reproductive indexes evaluated. Malformations or teratogenic changes were not detected, however, skeletal changes suggestive of developmental delay were observed, especially in the highest doses tested (300 mg.kg(-1) and 500 mg.kg(-1)). Owing to the potentially complex situation regarding its risk to human health, it is important that further studies be performed to contribute to the risk assessment of the addition of pyriproxyfen in drinking water.