Cytogenetic effects of fenvalerate in mammalian in vivo test system.

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, fenvalerate, was tested for its cytogenetic effects in the mouse in vivo test system at 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg. Bone marrow metaphase analysis revealed significant increases in chromosomal aberrations in the groups treated with 150 and 200 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection. In the micronucleus test the occurrence of PCEs with MN marginally increased with dose. Induction of PCEs with MN was significant over control again with the higher two doses. Incidence of sperm abnormalities slightly increased with dose but a significant increase was noted in all treated series over control.