Cypermethrin–Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rabbits: A Histopathological Study

Abstract

Cypermethrin is an important type II pyrethroid pesticide widely used to protect crops against pests and insect infestations, but it is also associated with environmental pollution and health hazards. The present study was designed to investigate histological changes in the kidneys of male rabbits following exposure to cypermethrin. A total of 18 adult male rabbits were used. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. The first group (G1) served as the control and received normal saline daily. The second group (G2) was administered cypermethrin orally at a dose equivalent to 1/10 of the LD50 (66.5 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 21 consecutive days. The third group(G3) received a higher oral dose equivalent to 1/5 of the LD50 (133 mg/kg body weight) under the same schedule. Histological examination of the treated groups revealed multiple pathological alterations compared to control group, Cypermethrin caused degeneration of renal corpuscles, hydropic changes, necrosis, inflammation, fatty degeneration, amyloidosis, dilation of renal tubules, congestion, fibrosis, steatosis, and tubular degeneration. In conclusion, cypermethrin produced significant histological damage in the kidneys of male rabbits. Further research is required to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cypermethrin-induced nephrotoxicity.