Imidacloprid Impairs Larval Development by Disrupting Nutrition and Energy Metabolism

This study highlights the importance of considering the effects of pesticides on nutrition and energy metabolism in juvenile animals. The findings suggest that exposure to imidacloprid can lead to pathological damage to the gut, impairing the digestion and utilization of food nutrients and energy. This, in turn, can result in delayed development and growth in larvae.

The research revealed significant pathological changes in the gut tissues of larvae exposed to imidacloprid, including a poorly formed peritrophic membrane, undigested food residues, and a disrupted basal layer of gut cells. Biochemical assays confirmed a decline in protein and carbohydrate digestion and catabolism, amino acid transport, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis.

Furthermore, imidacloprid stress reduced ATP levels, total glycogen, and protein content, indicating a lack of energy reserves and increased energy expenditure. Correlation analysis demonstrated a link between the downregulation of genes involved in protein and carbohydrate catabolism and energy metabolism and the decreased larval developmental rate and growth index.

The study emphasizes the need for further research into the effects of pesticides on nutrition and energy metabolism in animals and the potential long-term consequences for their growth and development.