2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B
Evaluation of larval crawling behavior in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lead acetate and treated with antioxidant BHA
Author(s): Ruthu RN, Manoj PB, Saraswathi YS and Shakunthala V
Abstract: The act of locomotion is crucial for various purposes, including finding food, locating a mate, escaping predators, defending territory, and responding to stress. Lead exposure poses a significant threat to neurodevelopment, particularly during early life stages. This study evaluates the neurotoxic effects of lead acetate on Drosophila melanogaster larvae and explores whether BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), a known synthetic antioxidant can mitigate these effects. Using a standardized crawling assay, we quantified larval motility after exposure to 1 mM and 1.5 mM lead acetate, with 10 mM BHA. Lead acetate caused a significant, dose-dependent decline in larval locomotion, likely due to oxidative stress-induced neuronal impairment. Co-administration of BHA restored larval motor function to a significant extent, suggesting its neuroprotective role via antioxidant-mediated reduction of oxidative stress. These results suggest that BHA could be explored as a potential intervention against lead neurotoxicity in other model organisms and environmental settings. These findings underscore the utility of D. melanogaster as a model for behavioural toxicology and highlight the therapeutic potential of antioxidants in mitigating heavy metal-induced neurobehavioral impairments.
DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2025.v6.i2b.234
Pages: 75-79 | Views: 917 | Downloads: 365
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How to cite this article:
Ruthu RN, Manoj PB, Saraswathi YS, Shakunthala V. Evaluation of larval crawling behavior in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lead acetate and treated with antioxidant BHA. Acta Entomol Zool 2025;6(2):75-79. DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2025.v6.i2b.234
