Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is estimated to affect 8-12% of school-age children worldwide. In this study, Richardson and colleagues used behavioral, molecular, and neurochemical techniques to characterize the effects of developmental exposure to the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin. They also used epidemiologic methods to determine whether there is an association between pyrethroid exposure and diagnosis of ADHD. Mice exposed to the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin during development exhibited features reminiscent of ADHD, including elevated dopamine transporter (DAT) levels, hyperactivity, working memory and attention deficits, and impulsive-like behavior. Increased DAT and D1 dopamine receptor levels were associated with the behavioral deficits. Epidemiologic data revealed that children aged 6-15 with detectable levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their urine were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. They suggest that developmental pyrethroid exposure is a risk factor for ADHD.
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Richardson JR, Taylor MM, Shalat SL, Guillot TS 3rd, Caudle WM, Hossain MM, Mathews TA, Jones SR, Cory-Slechta DA and Miller GW: Developmental pesticide exposure reproduces features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. FASEB J. 29(5): 1960-1972 (2015).
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25630971