Effect of Dimethoate Insecticide on Female Mice and Their Fetuses

Background and objectives. Organophosphate insecticides (OPIs) including dimethoate are used in agriculture to control the insect pests, increasing the productivity, their frequent use has resulted in detrimental effects on biological systems and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dimethoate (DM) on fetuses, DNA concentration in ovarian tissues and levels of estradiol and progesterone in female mice. Methods. Female mice were divided into three groups: Group I, serve as control and was given distilled water intraperitoneally, while Group II and III were given (0.1- & 0.2-ml DM/100 ml distilled water) respectively for 7 days. Two treated females were housed with one untreated male for mating. After 7 days of the last dose, 6 female mice of each group were weighed and killed. The ovaries, uteri and liver were extracted and weighed, and ovarian hormones were measured. Also, DNA concentration in each ovary was determined. Results. The results showed a significant decrease in the weights of the liver and ovaries, the level of estradiol hormone, and DNA concentration in the ovary of treated mice as compared to those from the control group. Also, significant changes were observed in the weights of fetuses as well as the number of live fetuses. Conclusion. We found that administration of DM intraperitoneally to female mice for 7 days has influences on ovary weight, estradiol levels, and DNA concentration as well as its impact on the fetuses, therefore, it is better to use safer methods for control the pests and avoid increased use of pesticides.