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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Examining the Effect of Pesticides on Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons
Published on: May 27, 2022
Acute toxic effects of an imidacloprid-based commercial insecticide in Caenorhabditis elegans
Julia Machado Menezes1, Belisa Avila Rodrigues2, Dora de Athayde Saul3
1Laboratório de Pesquisa em Toxicologia (LAPETOX), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratório de Biofilmes e Modelos Alternativos (BioModal), Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Abstract:
Imidacloprid (IMI), a neonicotinoid insecticide, targets postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, resulting in neurotoxicity in insects. Although selective for insects, IMI may have adverse effects on non-target species. This study investigated the acute toxicity of the commercial IMI formulation, Much 600 FS®, in Caenorhabditis elegans. L1-stage nematodes were acutely exposed to IMI at 2.4, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6, and 14.4 g/L concentrations. Developmental inhibition was observed at all concentrations, while significant mortality and reduced brood size occurred at 14.4 g/L. Behavioral assays revealed concentration-dependent decreases in pharyngeal pumping and locomotion. Cholinergic neuronal damage was evident at 7.2 g/L and above, indicating neurotoxicity. Our findings demonstrate that Much 600 FS® exerts toxic effects on C. elegans across developmental, behavioral, reproductive, and neuronal parameters, highlighting its potential risk to non-target organisms, even at sublethal levels.
