Effects of Esfenvalerate on Puberty in Female Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Michelle D. Pine, Jill K. Hiney, Boyeon Lee, W. Dees
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
Does the pyrethroid pesticide esfenvalerate affect the onset of puberty and hormone levels in female rats?
Conclusion
Esfenvalerate delays the onset of puberty in female rats and suppresses afternoon luteinizing hormone levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Animals treated with 1.0 mg/kg esfenvalerate had lower afternoon luteinizing hormone levels compared to controls.
- Esfenvalerate delayed the age at vaginal opening by 1 to 2 days.
- Serum estradiol levels were significantly reduced in rats treated with the highest doses of esfenvalerate.
Takeaway
This study found that a pesticide called esfenvalerate can make female rats start puberty later than normal.
Methodology
Female rats were given different doses of esfenvalerate from postnatal day 22 until vaginal opening, and hormone levels were measured.
Limitations
The study was conducted only on female rats, and results may not directly apply to humans.
Participant Demographics
Immature female Sprague-Dawley rats from 50 separate litters.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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