Embryonic exposure to cypermethrin induces apoptosis and immunotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Cypermethrin (CYP) is widely used for control of indoor and field pests. As a result, CYP is one of the most common contaminants in freshwater aquatic systems. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CYP exposure on the induction of apoptosis and immunotoxicity in zebrafish during the embryo developmental stage. The mRNA levels of some key genes including P53, Puma, Bax, Apaf1, Cas9 and Cas3 on the mitochondrial pathway of cell apoptosis were significantly up-regulated at the concentration of 3 and 10 μg/l CYP. Correspondingly, the activities of Cas3 and Cas9 increased significantly after exposure to 3 or 10 μg/l CYP. In addition, the mRNA levels of iNOS and the total content of NO were also up-regulated significantly after CYP exposure. Moreover, it was also observed that the mRNA levels of IFN, CXCL-Clc, CC-chem and C3, which are closely related to the innate immune system, were affected in newly hatched zebrafish when exposed to 3 and 10 μg/l CYP, exhibiting CYP’s prominent impacts on the innate immune system of zebrafish. Taken together, our results suggest that CYP has the potential to induce cell apoptosis and cause innate immune system disruption in zebrafish during the embryo stage. The information presented in this study will help elucidate the mechanism of CYP-induced toxicity in fish.