Immunomodulatory effect of DDT was demonstrated in rats as well. The authors discuss the importance of these facts as a determinant of the toxicity of DDT and its influence in health and diseases. It was demonstrated that DDT induced the phenobarbital-type of cytochrome P450 2B form in rat liver. At high concentration it is uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, related to deleterious effects on the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane. The voltage sensitive sodium channel is the major target site for DDT and pyrethroids.
Stress is given to the combine effect of pesticides with similar mechanism of action.
No increased risk of breast cancer was found at higher concentrations. This study does not support the hypothesis that DDT increases risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women in Europe. The results suggest that recent and past exposure to DDT does not play important role in the etiology of breast cancer among women living in a countries with tropical climate where insecticide use for mosquito control is common. The hypothesis that human exposure to OCI would favor on estrogenic overactivity leading to an increase in estrogen-dependent formation of mammary or endometrial tumors is not supported by the existing in vitro, animal and epidemic evidence. Other factor may contribute as well .