MK−801 antagonizes the lethal action of centrally and peripherally administered cypermethrin in mice and rats

Abstract

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of MK−801, an N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, on the convulsant lethal action of cypermethrin administered centrally or peripherally. Cypermethrin produced severe convulsions and death in a dose-dependent manner. MK−801 (0·5, 1 and 2 mg kg−1, intraperitoneally) significantly increased the onset time of convulsions and decreased the mortality in the peripherally treated cypermethrin group. MK-801 (1·0 and 2·0 mg kg−1) attenuated the convulsant action of cypermethrin (50 μg, intracerebroventricularly) significantly. Survival rate was also increased significantly. However, MK−801 (0·5 mg kg−1) did not produce any significant protective effect against centrally administered cypermethrin. These results suggest excitatory amino acids to be a target for pyrethroid-induced neurotoxicity.