17 May 2024 | Teodora Maria Buzenchi Proca, Carmen Solcan and Gheorghe Solcan
This review explores the neurotoxic effects of various environmental pollutants on zebrafish (Danio rerio), focusing on nanoplastics, microplastics, fipronil, deltamethrin, and rotenone. Zebrafish are widely used as model organisms due to their structural and functional similarities to humans, their transparent embryos, and their well-characterized nervous system. The study highlights the behavioral, histological, and oxidative stress changes in zebrafish exposed to these pollutants.
Nanoplastics, which are plastic particles in the nanometer range, are more reactive and toxic than microplastics due to their larger surface area and ability to penetrate biological barriers. Exposure to nanoplastics can lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities, including altered swimming behavior, reduced social interaction, and impaired predator avoidance. Nanoplastics also affect neurotransmitter levels, leading to changes in anxiety-like behaviors and reduced aggression. Additionally, nanoplastics can induce oxidative stress, which disrupts normal nervous system function and energy metabolism.
Microplastics, which range in size from 1 µm to 5 mm, are also harmful to zebrafish. They can accumulate in the gills, liver, and intestine and may cause oxidative damage in the brain, leading to neurodevelopmental issues. Microplastics can also act as vectors for other pollutants, increasing their toxicity. Exposure to microplastics can result in behavioral changes, including reduced swimming speed and impaired predator avoidance.
Fipronil, a widely used insecticide, is known to cause neurotoxicity by interacting with GABA and glutamate receptors. It disrupts chloride channels in insect cell membranes, leading to hyperexcitation of the central nervous system. Fipronil can also affect chloride channels in muscles and kidneys, contributing to its toxic effects. Exposure to fipronil can lead to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which can impair nervous system function and behavior.
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants on zebrafish to assess their impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health. The findings highlight the need for further research to develop effective mitigation strategies to reduce the risks associated with plastic pollution and pesticide exposure.This review explores the neurotoxic effects of various environmental pollutants on zebrafish (Danio rerio), focusing on nanoplastics, microplastics, fipronil, deltamethrin, and rotenone. Zebrafish are widely used as model organisms due to their structural and functional similarities to humans, their transparent embryos, and their well-characterized nervous system. The study highlights the behavioral, histological, and oxidative stress changes in zebrafish exposed to these pollutants.
Nanoplastics, which are plastic particles in the nanometer range, are more reactive and toxic than microplastics due to their larger surface area and ability to penetrate biological barriers. Exposure to nanoplastics can lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities, including altered swimming behavior, reduced social interaction, and impaired predator avoidance. Nanoplastics also affect neurotransmitter levels, leading to changes in anxiety-like behaviors and reduced aggression. Additionally, nanoplastics can induce oxidative stress, which disrupts normal nervous system function and energy metabolism.
Microplastics, which range in size from 1 µm to 5 mm, are also harmful to zebrafish. They can accumulate in the gills, liver, and intestine and may cause oxidative damage in the brain, leading to neurodevelopmental issues. Microplastics can also act as vectors for other pollutants, increasing their toxicity. Exposure to microplastics can result in behavioral changes, including reduced swimming speed and impaired predator avoidance.
Fipronil, a widely used insecticide, is known to cause neurotoxicity by interacting with GABA and glutamate receptors. It disrupts chloride channels in insect cell membranes, leading to hyperexcitation of the central nervous system. Fipronil can also affect chloride channels in muscles and kidneys, contributing to its toxic effects. Exposure to fipronil can lead to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which can impair nervous system function and behavior.
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants on zebrafish to assess their impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health. The findings highlight the need for further research to develop effective mitigation strategies to reduce the risks associated with plastic pollution and pesticide exposure.