Introduction. Pyrethroids are analogues of natural pyrethrins, primarily isolated from plants of the genus Pymthrum, a family of Asteraceae known for their insecticidal properties. Objective. To study literature data on the history of synthesis, peculiarities of the chemical structure of pyrethrins, pyrethroids and their most common isomers, a combination of synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) with other chemical substances and insecticidal activity of SPs. Also, to perform an experimental assessment of SP mutagenicity. Materials and Мethods. For the literature review, data of international organizations, electronic databases and articles of the authors from different countries were used. To study SP mutagenicity, in vivo test for micronucleus (MN) induction in polychromatophilic erythrocytes (PCE) in mice bone marrow was used. Five active substances of SPs were studied: Cypermethrin 94.0 % at the doses of 46.0, 9.2,1.84 mg/kg body weight, 2 samples of Alpha-cypermethrin — 94.0 and 94.7 % at the doses of 20.0,2.0, 0.2 mg/kg, and 2 samples of Lambda-cyhalothrin — 95.2 and 97.1 % at the doses of 5.0,1.0, 0.2 mg/kg. Results and Discussion. The history of SP synthesis dates back about 70 years. Currently, a significant number of SPs were synthesised that differ in chemical structure, have different strength of insecticidal action, as well as may be used in combination with other compounds. Results of experimental studies suggest that Cypermethrin at the doses from 46.0 to 1.84 mg/kg body weight, 2 samples of Alpha-cypermethrin at the doses from 20.0 to 0.2 mg/kg body weight, as well as 2 samples of Lambda-cyhalothrin at the doses 1.0 and 0.2 mg/kg did not show significant increase in MNPCE level in PCs. However, both samples of Lambda-cyhalothrin at the doses: 5.0 mg/kg body weight induced statistically significant exceeding of the spontaneous rate of MNPCE (р < 0.05). Conclusion. Cypermethrin at the doses from 46.0 to 1.84 mg/kg body weight did not show a significant increase in MNPCE level. Samples of Alpha-cypermethrin at the doses from 20.0 to 0.2 mg/kg body weight did not show a significant increase in MN level. Samples of Lambda-cyhalothrin at the doses from 1.0 to 0.2 mg/kg did not show a significant increase in MN level. Samples of Lambda-cyhalothrin at the doses: 5.0 mg/kg body weight induced statistically significant exceeding of the spontaneous rate of MNPCE in comparison with the data of negative and historical controls.
Studying the history of synthesis and chemical structure of pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids, and mutagenicity of pyrethroids in the in vivo test for micronucleus induction (literature review and data of own studies)
