Neurotoxic Effects of Chlorpyrifos Exposure in a Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model: Investigation of Behavioral, Enzymatic and Molecular Responses

Authors : Ekrem Sulukan

Pages : 318-324

Doi:10.18586/msufbd.1743947

View : 30 | Download : 173

Publication Date : 2025-12-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used insecticide that has been shown to affect neurobehavioral development. Exposure to CPF during development causes neurobehavioral and neurotoxic effects. In this study, zebrafish larvae were acutely exposed to 0.01 μg/ml and 0.1 μg/ml CPF and its effect on circadian rhythm and anxiety was tested by molecular and behavioral analyses. Analysis of the results showed that CPF exposure altered the transcription levels of genes associated with neurodevelopment (Bdnf), circadian rhythm (Bmal1, Per), phototransduction (Gnat2) and stress response (Crhr, 5ht4). Furthermore, CPF was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity and gene expression levels in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CPF caused disruptions in locomotor activity, and behavioral responses were observed, especially depending on the circadian phase. Moreover, anxiety-related behavioral parameters (e.g. tigmotaxis) were increased and these behavioral findings were supported at the molecular level. These results demonstrate that the neurotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos occur at both behavioral and genetic levels and highlight the potential risks of environmental pesticide exposure on the development of the nervous system of aquatic vertebrates. Keywords: Chlorpyrifos, zebrafish, circadian rhythm, anxiety
Keywords : Klorpirifos, zebra balığı, sirkadiyen ritim, anksiyete

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