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Neurotoxicity of Acetamiprid and Fenpyroximate in Male Rats
Asmaa M Elnamaky1, Amal A Halawa1, Huda A El-Emam2
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Environmental Toxicology
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Combined exposure to acetamiprid (ACE) and fenpyroximate (FEN) causes greater neurotoxicity in rats than individual pesticides. This study reveals synergistic risks of pesticide mixtures, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Acetamiprid (ACE), a neonicotinoid insecticide, and fenpyroximate (FEN), a pyrazole acaricide, are extensively used in agriculture.
- Both pesticides may pose neurotoxic risks to mammals, necessitating an evaluation of their combined effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the individual and combined neurotoxic effects of ACE and FEN in adult male rats.
- To assess neurotoxicity through biochemical, molecular, and histopathological markers following sub-chronic oral exposure.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were administered oral doses of ACE and FEN (1/40 and 1/20 LD50) individually and in combination for 28 days.
- Neurotoxicity was evaluated using markers for oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, CAT, GST), neurotransmitters (AChE, dopamine), inflammation (ILs, TNF-α), apoptosis (TP53), and neuroinflammation (COX-2).
- Brain tissue underwent histopathological examination to assess neurodegenerative changes.
Main Results:
- Combined ACE and FEN exposure demonstrated synergistic neurotoxicity, exceeding the effects of individual pesticides.
- Significant increases in oxidative stress markers (MDA) and suppression of antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GST) were observed.
- Dose-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acetylcholine accumulation, dopamine depletion, TP53 downregulation, COX-2 upregulation, elevated inflammatory cytokines, and severe neurodegenerative lesions were noted.
Conclusions:
- Acetamiprid and fenpyroximate synergistically induce significant neurotoxic effects, including oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and neuronal degeneration.
- The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with combined pesticide exposure.
- Stricter regulatory assessment of pesticide mixture toxicity in mammalian systems is warranted.
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