Effect of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on behavioral and metabolic aspects of the spider Polybetes pythagoricus

GABRIEL, MOLINA; ALDANA, LAINO; FLORENCIA, ARREGHETTI; MARIANGELES, LACAVA; SOFÍA, ROMERO; SERGIO, MIJAILOVSKY; FERNANDO, GARCIA CARLOS

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY

SETAC PRESS

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2023

0730-7268

The toxicity of pesticides to organisms depends on the total amount of chemical exposure. Toxicity can be minimized if the organism recognizes the pesticide and alters its behavior. Furthermore, the physical barrier of cuticular hydrocarbons can prevent the entrance of the pesticide into the organism. Finally, if the pesticide enters the body, the organism experiences physiological changes favoring detoxification and the maintenance of homeostasis. We analyzed the behavioral and metabolic response of the spider Polybetes pythagoricus at different times of exposure to the organophosphates pesticide chlorpyrifos.First, we observed that the individuals are capable of recognizing and avoiding surfaces treated with pesticides based on a behavioral analysis. Subsequently, we characterized cuticular hydrocarbons as a possible barrier against pesticides. Afterwards, we observed that the pesticide provoked histological damage, mainly at the level of the midgut diverticula. Finally, we analyzed the activity of several of the spider´s enzymes linked to oxidative stress after exposure to chlorpyrifos for different lengths of time (6, 24, and 48 h). We observed that catalase manifested a high activity at the start, whereas superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase evidenced a significant change in activity at 48 h. The lipid peroxidation became high at 6 h, but decreased at 48 h. In conclusion, although Polybetes pythagoricus can avoid contact with chlorpyrifos, this pesticide causes the activation of the antioxidant system when it enters the body. This work turns out to be a significant contribution to the ecotoxicology of spiders.