Sex-specific effects of low-dose of acetamiprid on corticosterone levels but not on oxidative stress in House sparrows

Ségolène Humann-Guilleminot ¹, Łukasz J Binkowski ², Fabrice Helfenstein ³

⁰Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Environmental Research +

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September 1, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, may affect stress hormone levels in male house sparrows. This study found higher corticosterone in male sparrows exposed to low doses, but not in females or during less stressful periods.

Area Of Science

Environmental Toxicology
Avian Physiology
Insecticide Impact

Background

Neonicotinoid insecticides pose risks to wild birds.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates stress response.
Acetamiprid's effects on avian HPA axis are understudied.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate acetamiprid's impact on house sparrow stress physiology.
To examine effects on corticosterone and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods

House sparrows (Passer domesticus) were exposed to a field-realistic dose of acetamiprid.
Feather corticosterone and blood oxidative status were measured.
Two experiments were conducted over two years with 112 birds each.

Main Results

Acetamiprid did not affect oxidative stress markers.
Male sparrows exposed to acetamiprid showed higher feather corticosterone in 2015.
This effect was absent in females and in 2016, a less stressful year.

Conclusions

Acetamiprid may alter stress endocrine physiology in songbirds at low doses.
The impact on corticosterone levels may depend on environmental stress.
Provides first evidence of acetamiprid's potential HPA axis effects in songbirds.

Keywords:

Acetamiprid Birds Corticosterone Neonicotinoids Oxidative stress Sublethal effects