Repeated malathion exposure induces behavioral impairment and AChE activity inhibition in brains of rat pups

The present study evaluated if repeated malathion administration would cause behavioral impairment in rat pups. Na + K + ATPase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were investigated in brains of rat pups. Malathion was administered (100 or 200 mg/kg) orally (p.o.), once a day for four consecutive days. Rat pups were submitted to behavioral tests on the 5th day, 24 h after the last malathion administration. Malathion at the dose of 200 mg/kg caused a significant increase in the negative geotaxis latency and a decrease in the rotarod latency of rat pups. Rat pups exposed to malathion at both doses showed a significant decrease in the forelimb support latency and an inhibition of brain AChE activity. Repeated exposure of rat pups to malathion caused a decrease in motor coordination, vestibular function and muscular strength/coordination. The brain activity of AChE is involved in the behavioral alterations caused by malathion in rat pups. ► Malathion increased the negative geotaxis latency and decreased the rotarod latency of pups. ► Malathion decreased motor coordination, vestibular function and muscular coordination. ► The brain activity of AChE is involved in the behavioral alterations caused by malathion in rat pups.