Malathion induces anxiety in the male adult mouse.

Introduction: The cholinergic nervous system and acetylcholine esterase are involved in chronic intoxication with organophosphorous insecticides. The present study aims to investigate the influence of the chronic toxicity of these chemicals on behaviors related to anxiety, using the elevated plus maze (EPM), in the male adult mouse.

Material And Methods: Either water or 1% concentration of malathion was applied dermally to the male adult mice (10 s, once daily for 28 days) and, on day 29, the EPM test was done.