Toxic effects of cypermethrin and alphamethrin on reproduction and oxidative metabolism of the freshwater snail, Lymnaea acuminata.

Effects of sublethal exposure to cypermethrin and alphamethrin on the reproductive physiology and oxidative metabolism of the freshwater snail, Lymnaea acuminata, were studied. Sublethal exposure to both pyrethroids caused increases in the numbers of egg masses and eggs at all concentrations, but the survival rate of the snails was significantly reduced 28 days after of hatching. Both pyrethroids altered the oxidative metabolism in hepatopancreas and ovotestis tissues of the snails. Stress conditions result in less availability of oxygen and in turn less ATP production in tissues, adversely affecting oxidative metabolism and reproduction in L. acuminata.