Folic Acid Attenuates Behavioral Impairments Induced by Commercial Formulation of Imidacloprid in Laboratory Rats.

Abstract

Imidacloprid (IMI) insecticide has global application in protecting crops and animals. The mechanism of IMI involves activating post synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which exhibit significant affinity for insect nAChRs even though reports of toxicity in mammals also exist. This study investigates the potential role of folic acid (F.A) in ameliorating behavioral, biochemical, and hematological alterations induced by subacute exposure to commercial formulation of IMI in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In this experimental design, twenty-four adult female Sprague Dawley rats was subjected to random allocation into four separate groups, each comprising six animals. The groups were defined as follows: Group 1, serving as the control, received distilled water via oral gavage; Group 2 was administered IMI orally at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight; Group 3 was subjected to oral administration of Folic Acid (F.A) at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight; and Group 4 underwent pretreatment with F.A one hour prior to IMI administration, both via the oral route for three weeks. Results revealed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in motor coordination, cognition, nociception, and fear loss. While pretreatment with F.A significantly attenuated the behavioral impairments. Rats treated with IMI showed noticeable damage to the pyramidal cells within the hippocampal regions of CA1, CA2, and CA3.Subacute IMI exposure also induced hematological alterations. There is significant decline in RBCs, WBCs, and platelets count (p<0.05) in IMI treated rats as compared to control. However, pretreatment with F.A counteracts the effects of IMI. Moreover, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the serum concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), leading to a consequent significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels (p < 0.05) in the brain homogenates. The results of current study demonstrate that pretreatment with F.A has potential protective effect on behavioral, hematological, and biochemical impairments via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuro-potentiating effects against subacute IMI exposure in female SD rats.