Immuno-endocrine alterations and oxidative stress induced by commercial formulations of pesticides in the tegu lizard (Salvator merianae).

Recent research has shown the risk of environmental contamination by pesticides in Argentina. Salvator merianae is considered as "sentinel species" for monitoring their effects. We intended to investigate growth, immunological and endocrine functions, and oxidative stress in S.

Effects of glyphosate, cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos on hematological parameters of the tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) in different embryo stages.

Different studies have demonstrated effects of pesticides during embryo development in vertebrates and stage-dependent effects, but there is no information concerning this for Salvator merianae. We evaluated the effects of the herbicides Glyphosate Roundup (GLY-RU) and Glyphosate Panzer Gold (GLY-PZ); and the insecticides Chlorpyrifos (CPF) and Cypermethrin (CYP), and their complex mixtures, at different concentrations in hematological parameters of S. merianae embryos at two different development stages.

Effects of cypermethrin (pyrethroid), glyphosate and chlorpyrifos (organophosphorus) on the endocrine and immune system of Salvator merianae (Argentine tegu).

Several geographical areas where Salvator merianae is distributed in Argentina are included in regions with agricultural activity and exposed to pesticide formulations. Some pesticides could affect defense mechanisms being able alter structures of some components of immune and endocrine systems. To assess the potential effects of pesticides in this reptile under seminatural conditions, on the immune system and endocrine responses in S.

Baseline values of immunologic parameters in the lizard (, Squamata).

The genus Salvator is widely distributed throughout South America. In Argentina, the species most abundant widely distributed is . Particularly in Santa Fe province, the area occupied by populations of these lizards overlaps with areas where agriculture was extended.