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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Experimental Protocol for Using Drosophila As an Invertebrate Model System for Toxicity Testing in the Laboratory
Published on: July 10, 2018
Developmental iron exposure induces locomotor alterations in Drosophila: Exploring potential association with
Ana Beatriz Dos Santos1, Jaciana Sousa Dos Anjos1, Giany Gabriely Padão Dos Santos1
1Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biotechnology, CIPBIOTEC, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
Prenatal iron (Fe) exposure has been associated with learning and cognitive impairments, which may be linked to oxidative stress resulting from elevated Fe levels and harm to the vulnerable brain. Drosophila melanogaster has contributed to our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in neurological conditions. This study aims to explore Fe toxicity during D. melanogaster development, assessing oxidative stress and investigating behaviors in flies that are related to neurological conditions in humans. To achieve this goal, flies were exposed to Fe during the developmental period, and biochemical and behavioral analyses were conducted. The results indicated that 20 mM Fe decreased fly hatching by 50 %. At 15 mM, Fe exposure increased lipid peroxidation, and GSH levels decreased starting from 5 mM of Fe. Superoxide Dismutase activity was enhanced at 15 mM, while Glutathione S-Transferase activity was inhibited from 5 mM. Although chronic Fe exposure did not alter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, flies exhibited reduced locomotion, increased grooming, and antisocial behavior from 5 mM of Fe. This research highlights potential Fe toxicity risks during development and underscores the utility of D. melanogaster in unraveling neurological disorders, emphasizing its relevance for future research.
