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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effects of Sublethal Dose of Fipronil on Neuron Metabolic Activity of Africanized Honeybees

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Author(s):
Roat, Thaisa Cristina [1] ; Carvalho, Stephan M. [1] ; Nocelli, Roberta C. F. [2] ; Silva-Zacarin, Elaine C. M. [3] ; Palma, Mario Sergio [1] ; Malaspina, Osmar [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Biol, Ctr Estudos Insetos Sociais, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] UFSCar Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Ctr Ciencias Agr, BR-13600970 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] UFSCar Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Lab Biol Estrutural & Func, BR-18052780 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; v. 64, n. 3, p. 456-466, APR 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 24
Abstract

Fipronil is a neurotoxic insecticide that inhibits the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor and can affect gustative perception, olfactory learning, and motor activity of the honeybee Apis mellifera. This study determined the lethal dose (LD50) and the lethal concentration (LC50) for Africanized honeybee and evaluated the toxicity of a sublethal dose of fipronil on neuron metabolic activity by way of histochemical analysis using cytochrome oxidase detection in brains from worker bees of different ages. In addition, the present study investigated the recovery mechanism by discontinuing the oral exposure to fipronil. The results showed that mushroom bodies of aged Africanized honeybees are affected by fipronil, which causes changes in metabolism by increasing the respiratory activity of mitochondria. In antennal lobes, the sublethal dose of fipronil did not cause an increase in metabolic activity. The recovery experiments showed that discontinued exposure to a diet contaminated with fipronil did not lead to recovery of neural activity. Our results show that even at very low concentrations, fipronil is harmful to honeybees and can induce several types of injuries to honeybee physiology. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/05018-7 - Toxicological effects of the insecticide fipronil in workers and queens of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae): neural activity and detoxification proteins
Grantee:Thaisa Cristina Roat
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral