Oral administration of cyantraniliprole to wistar rats during pregnancy and lactation alters maternal behavior and harms the female reproductive system of pubertal and adult offspring

Over the past years, global pesticide use has increased by 20%. New insecticidal molecules, like cyantraniliprole, aim to reduce side effects due to the high toxicity of pesticides and their harmful effects on health and the environment. Its mechanism involves binding to ryanodine receptors, causing rapid calcium ion release. As a new molecule, studies on its effects on mammals are scarce. This work evaluates oral cyantraniliprole's impacts during pregnancy and lactation on maternal behavior and the reproductive system of female offspring. Approved by CEUA-UEL (OF. CIRC. CEUA n. 20/2020), Wistar rats were mated, and after pregnancy diagnosis, divided into control groups, C1, C10, and C150, receiving water and cyantraniliprole at 1, 10, and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively, by gavage. Maternal behavior, offspring physical development, uterine and ovarian histology, and oxidative stress levels were analyzed. Maternal exposure to 150 mg/kg/day was toxic to pregnancy, causing loss of the experimental group. Analysis showed significant changes in maternal behavior in C1 and C10, with increased pup contact, longer breastfeeding, and less cleaning time. No changes in offspring development were observed in C1 and C10. Histology and oxidative stress analysis of the ovaries showed no changes, while uterine analysis indicated thickening and increased oxidative stress.