Effects of a pyrethroid exposure in swimming performance and olfactory behaviours in fish

• Grant number: 12/05900-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: August 21, 2012
• End date: May 20, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: Gilberto Moraes
• Grantee: Francine Perri Venturini
• Supervisor: Christopher J. Kennedy
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 10/17007-0 - Adptative responses of matrinxã teleost (Brycon amazonicus) exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin pyrethroid: antioxidant metabolism, histological and hematological parameters., BP.DR

Abstract

Due to growth in agriculture and its demands, the use of pesticides is continuously increasing worldwide. Due to contamination of the global environment, and effects on nontarget species by pesticides (e.g. carbamates and halogenated compounds), a preference for less persistent and less toxic products is being demanded. Synthetic pyrethroids are an option, owing to their high efficacy, biodegradability and low toxicity. However, fish appear to be highly sensitive to these substances. Pyrethroids exhibit high affinity to Na+ channels in neurons, and can delay the closure of these channels. This specific mechanism of action suggests that those physiological systems that rely heavily on a properly functioning nervous system may be affected at low pyrethroid concentrations. Two important functions may be more susceptible to neurotoxic pesticides than others and lead to sublethal effects. These include olfaction and swimming performance. When these are impaired, they may lead to altered performance and behavioral responses. Exposure to pyrethroids has the potential to alter fish olfaction and swimming performance, which has important ramifications to fish populations and their success. The main goal of the proposed research is to examine the possible impairment of fish olfaction and swimming performance due to pyrethroid exposure. (AU)