Effects of Sublethal Doses of Thiacloprid, a Neonicotinoid Insecticide, on Learning and Memory Performance of Mice

Research Article

Effects of Sublethal Doses of Thiacloprid, a Neonicotinoid Insecticide, on Learning and Memory Performance of Mice

, Abdullah Acar, Gulten Toprak and Emre Uyar

Background and Objective: Thiacloprid (THI), a neonicotinoid insecticide, currently one of the most preferred insecticides worldwide. Although they are claimed to be less hazardous on mammals, late studies revealed the harmful effects of this kind of insecticides. However, there are few studies examining the effect of THI on learning and memory performance in the literature. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sublethal doses of THI on learning and memory functions and to determine the effect of the protocol on biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: In this outcome, 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^–¹ THI were administered by oral gavage for 3 weeks in mice (n:7). At the end of this process, a novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were conducted to measure learning and memory functions. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels were measured biochemically. Results: In the NOR test, reductions in the discrimination index values were observed with THI applications. The step-through latencies of the mice to enter the dark compartment in the retention trial of the PA test was reduced similarly in THI applied groups. The biochemical investigations revealed that BDNF and GPx levels in the brain tissue were significantly reduced in all groups compared to the control group, while a significant reduction in NGF levels was observed only in 200 mg kg^–¹ applied group. There was no significant difference in SOD and CAT levels between test groups. Conclusion: These results indicated that sublethal, chronic THI application degenerates the learning and memory functions with affecting BDNF, NGF and GPx levels.

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Hasan Akkoc, Abdullah Acar, Gulten Toprak and Emre Uyar, 2020. Effects of Sublethal Doses of Thiacloprid, a Neonicotinoid Insecticide, on Learning and Memory Performance of Mice. International Journal of Pharmacology, 16: 72-78.

DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2020.72.78

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijp.2020.72.78

International Journal of Pharmacology

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Authors

Hasan Akkoc

Abdullah Acar

Gulten Toprak

Emre Uyar

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Research Article

Effects of Sublethal Doses of Thiacloprid, a Neonicotinoid Insecticide, on Learning and Memory Performance of Mice

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