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Improving Mitochondrial Function Protects Bumblebees from Neonicotinoid Pesticides.
- Source :
-
PloS one [PLoS One] 2016 Nov 15; Vol. 11 (11), pp. e0166531. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Nov 15 (Print Publication: 2016). - Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Global pollination is threatened by declining insect pollinator populations that may be linked to neonicotinoid pesticide use. Neonicotinoids over stimulate neurons and depolarize their mitochondria, producing immobility and death. However, mitochondrial function can be improved by near infrared light absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondrial respiration. In flies, daily exposure to 670nm light throughout life increases average lifespan and aged mobility, and reduces systemic inflammation. Here we treat bumble bees with Imidacloprid a common neonicotinoid. This undermined ATP and rapidly induced immobility and reduced visual function and survival. Bees exposed to insecticide and daily to 670nm light showed corrected ATP levels and significantly improved mobility allowing them to feed. Physiological recordings from eyes revealed that light exposure corrected deficits induced by the pesticide. Overall, death rates in bees exposed to insecticide but also given 670nm light were indistinguishable from controls. When Imidacloprid and light exposure were withdrawn, survival was maintained. Bees and insects generally cannot see deep red light so it does not disturb their behaviour. Hence, we show that deep red light exposure that improves mitochondrial function, reverses the sensory and motor deficits induced by Imidacloprid. These results may have important implications as light delivery is economic and can be placed in hives/colonies.<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Subjects :
- Adenosine Triphosphate agonists
Adenosine Triphosphate biosynthesis
Animals
Bees drug effects
Bees physiology
Behavior, Animal drug effects
Behavior, Animal radiation effects
Flowers physiology
Mitochondria drug effects
Mitochondria metabolism
Motor Activity drug effects
Motor Activity physiology
Motor Activity radiation effects
Neonicotinoids
Neurons drug effects
Neurons metabolism
Neurons radiation effects
Pollination physiology
Vision, Ocular drug effects
Vision, Ocular physiology
Bees radiation effects
Imidazoles toxicity
Infrared Rays
Insecticides toxicity
Mitochondria radiation effects
Nitro Compounds toxicity
Vision, Ocular radiation effects
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1932-6203
- Volume :
- 11
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- PloS one
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 27846310
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166531