Liver alterations in Oreochromis niloticus (Pisces) induced by insecticide imidacloprid: Histopathology and heat shock protein in situ localization

Author(s)

Ansoar-Rodriguez, Yadira ; Christofoletti, Cintya A. ; Correia, Jorge E. ; de Souza, Raphael B. ; Moreira-de-Sousa, Cristina ; de Castro Marcato, Ana Claudia ; Bueno, Odair C. ; Malaspina, Osmar ; Silva-Zacarin, Elaine C. M. ; Fontanetti, Carmem S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART B-PESTICIDES FOOD CONTAMIN; v. 51, n. 12, p. 881-887, 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Liver is very sensitive to environmental contaminants such as pesticides, it being the first target of toxicity of a substance. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the insecticide imidacloprid (IMI) on the liver of Oreochromis niloticus according concentrations used for growing sugarcane. A semi-quantitative analysis of histopathological alterations of IMI on liver was performed by light microscopy and cellular labeling of heat shock proteins (HSP70) by immunohistochemistry. The most common changes in liver at all concentrations of IMI were hydropic degeneration, pyknotic nuclei, and loss of cell limits. Steatosis and increased levels of HSP70 were detected in hepatocytes with the highest concentration of IMI. In conclusion, the tested concentrations of IMI induced histopathological changes in the liver of O. niloticus and active defence mechanisms to maintain the morphophysiological integrity of the liver. This insecticide has a toxicity potential for these fish, which is a non-target organism of its action. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/50197-2 - Action of products used in cultivation of sugar cane on non-target organisms
• Grantee: Carmem Silvia Fontanetti Christofoletti
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants