Effects of synthetic pyrethroids on RTG-2 cells

Abstract

The cellular and subcellular effects of some synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, tetramethrin, and deltamethrin) on RTG-2 trout cell line were assessed. Mitochondrial function/cell viability and membrane integrity were measured by MTT and LDH release assays. Major morphological changes as evaluated by light and confocal microscopy were treated cells had fragmented morphology and condensed nuclei, fragmentations with hole formation in cytoskeleton, pyknotic nuclei and micronucleus formation, shrinkage of the cells and nuclei. Generation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, prominent induction of cellular pleomorphism, and hydropic degeneration were recorded as compared with controls showing fusiform cells and central nucleus by H&E staining.