PYRETHROID EFFECTS ON OPERANT RESPONDING AND FEEDING

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (3) , 321-324
Abstract
The effects of permethrin, its cis and trans isomers, and deltamethrin on operant behavior and food intake were examined. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to respond on a VI[variable interval]20 s schedule of food reinforcement. Rats were injected i.p. with pyrethroids or their Emulphor vehicle 20 min prior to testing. Technical grade permethrin (15-60 mg/kg) produced a dose-related decrease in operant response rate. The 60 mg/kg dose decreased rates by 60%. Lower doses of cis-permethrin (30 mg/kg) and deltamethrin (2 mg/kg) also produced significant decreases in response rate. A 30 mg/kg dose of trans-permethrin was without effect. Food intake was also measured for 1.5 and 24 h after tech-permethrin treatment. Food intake was decreased over both intervals by the 60 mg/kg dose. Subconvulsive doses of pyrethroid insecticides had significant effects on learned behavior and food intake.