Analysis of various effects of abamectin on erythrocyte morphology in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Although previous studies have already confirmed the toxicological potential of abamectin (ABA) in different experimental models (from invertebrates to vertebrates), almost nothing is known about the impacts the exposure to this pesticide can cause on birds. Thus, the aim of our study is to investigate the cytotoxic effects on the erythrocytes of female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) exposed to low abamectin concentrations. In order to do so, three experimental groups were proposed: "control," composed of quails exposed to abamectin-free drinking water; "ABA 1% median lethal dose (LD)," comprising birds exposed to water containing 15.5 mg a.i./L of abamectin (via commercial formulation Kraft® 36EC), and "ABA 10% LD," composed by birds exposed to water containing 155.0 mg a.i./L of abamectin. The micronucleus test and the tests applied to other nuclear abnormalities in the peripheral blood of birds were conducted 40 days after exposure. Our study revealed significant physical abnormalities in nuclear shapes (erythrocytes with asymmetric constriction nuclei, notched nuclei, indented and moved nucleus) of those birds exposed to higher abamectin levels. When all nuclear abnormalities were tallied, a significant dose-dependent trend was noted. Therefore, our study presents initial imprints on determination of abamectin-mediated cellular toxicity in avifauna which can be instrumental in checking polluted ecosystems.

Abamectin induces apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting reactive oxygen species‐mediated PI3K/AKT signaling in MGC803 cells

“…Besides this, ABA also persists in water, soil, sediment, and food products. In recent years, studies show nontarget organisms, for example, Japanese quail erythrocytes and rat hepatocytes, cause adverse reactions to ABA . These findings indicate a severe potential public health risk.…”

Effect of abamectin on development of chick embryo

“…There is also an elevated level of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE)modified proteins and poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) expression, as markers for oxidative stress and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation, observed in rat testes exposed to abamectin [10]. In birds, the cytotoxic effects caused by low abamectin concentrations on the erythrocytes of female Japanese quails were investigated [11,12]. It revealed distinct physical abnormalities in those birds exposed to higher abamectin levels such as nuclear shapes (asymmetric constriction nuclei in erythrocytes, notched nuclei, indented and moved nucleus) [11].…”

Avian Cardiovascular Disease Characteristics, Causes and Genomics

“…In addition, when energy demand is high, blood can bypass the kidney [17]. It is also worth noting that avian erythrocytes are nucleated whereas mammalian erythrocytes are not [18].…”