Dichlorvos induced alterations in glucose homeostasis: possible implications on the state of neuronal function in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Organophosphate pesticides like dichlorvos are widely used, raising concerns about their neurotoxic effects.
• Understanding the impact of dichlorvos on brain glucose metabolism is crucial for assessing its neurological risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of chronic dichlorvos exposure on glucose homeostasis in various rat brain regions.
• To correlate changes in brain glucose metabolism with neurobehavioral alterations.

Main Methods:

• Rats were exposed to dichlorvos chronically.
• Brain glycogen content and the activity of glycogen phosphorylase and key glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase) were measured.
• Regional glucose utilization was assessed using 14C-glucose influx.
• Neurobehavioral tests evaluated memory and learning functions.

Main Results:

• Dichlorvos exposure led to significant depletion of brain glycogen and increased glycogen phosphorylase activity.
• Activities of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly decreased.
• A reduction in regional glucose utilization was observed.
• Dichlorvos-treated rats exhibited severe deterioration in memory and learning capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Chronic dichlorvos exposure disrupts brain glucose homeostasis by altering glycogen metabolism and glycolytic enzyme activity.
• Impaired neuronal glucose utilization is linked to dichlorvos-induced neurobehavioral deficits, particularly in memory and learning.
• These findings highlight the neurotoxic potential of dichlorvos concerning brain energy metabolism and cognitive function.