Efeito da administração de carbendazim nas propriedades eletrocontráteis em ratos Wistar machos

Abstract

Carbendazim (CAR) is a fungicide of the benzimidazole class, an inhibitor of β-tubulin polymerization, broadly used in Brazil over the past years, but banned by ANVISA due to its toxicological profile. The present study aimed to investigate the cardiotoxic effects of chronic exposure to this pesticide. Male Wistar rats were treated via gavage for 28 days at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg/day, corresponding to the former Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The methodology included in vivo, ex vivo (Langendorff), and in vitro (electrophysiology and cell contractility) evaluations. The results demonstrated that, although systolic function and cardiac histology remained preserved, the animals presented diastolic dysfunction and a significant delay in ventricular action potential repolarization. Furthermore, the exposed group evidenced greater vulnerability to stress, with worse functional recovery and a larger area of necrosis following an ischemia and reperfusion protocol. It is concluded that CAR, even at a subclinical dose, induces silent functional and electrical cardiotoxicity, compromising the myocardial physiological reserve against ischemic events.