Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
Electrophysiological Recording in the Brain of Intact Adult Zebrafish
Published on: November 19, 2013
Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam affect synaptic transmission in zebrafish
Jin-Ge Zhang1, Dong-Dong Ma1, Qian Xiong1
1SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (THM) show neurotoxicity in zebrafish, impacting behavior and gene expression. These findings highlight potential risks to fish survival in aquatic environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neonicotinoid insecticides like imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (THM) are widely used, posing risks to non-target organisms such as bees.
- Limited data exists on the neurotoxic effects of IMI and THM on fish populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurotoxicity of IMI and THM in zebrafish.
- To assess the impact of these insecticides on locomotor behavior, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and synaptic gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of IMI and THM from 14 to 35 days post-fertilization.
- Locomotor activity, AChE activity, and gene transcription (qPCR) related to synaptic transmission were analyzed.
Main Results:
- IMI and THM significantly altered locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae at 28 and 35 dpf.
- Thiamethoxam (THM) exposure led to elevated AChE activity at 28 dpf.
- Both IMI and THM affected the transcription of synaptic genes, particularly those in GABA, dopamine, and serotonin pathways, from 14 to 35 dpf.
Conclusions:
- Imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (THM) exhibit clear neurotoxic effects in zebrafish.
- These neonicotinoids may pose significant risks to the fitness and survival of fish in contaminated aquatic environments.
