Single Acute Sublethal Fipronil Concentration Induces Behavioral Toxicity And Suggests Endocrine-Disrupting Properties In Zebrafish
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2026.01.01Palabras clave:
pesticide, behavior, fish, toxicity, endocrine disruptorResumen
Fipronil (FPR), a second-generation phenylpyrazole insecticide, is used in Veterinary Medicine, agriculture, and horticulture against fleas, ticks, ants, cockroaches, and other pests. By selectively inhibiting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in vertebrates and invertebrates, studies suggest that acute exposure harms sensory and motor systems, and long-term exposure has an endocrine-disrupting effect. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a sublethal concentration of FPR on the behavior of adult zebrafish, using them as an assessment model to detect early Central Nervous System toxicity. First, to achieve this dose, we exposed the fish to several FRP concentrations and monitored lethality for up to 72 h. Using the FRP sublethal concentration, the behavioral signs of toxicity were observed in the exploratory behavior in the open field, anxiety-like behavior, and social and sexual preferences. The results showed that the sublethal concentration of FRP was 0.5 µg/L. Under this concentration, the fish exhibited significant behavioral changes in the aquarium, including tremors, increased movement frequency and duration, and a longer time to reach the surface. Furthermore, an increase in anxiolytic-like behavior, and a reduction in social and sexual preferences, without interference in the open field exploration, were observed. Thus, our data indicate that acute exposure to sublethal concentrations of FPR induces neurotoxic effects that can be attributed to its GABAergic antagonist action. The FRP endocrine disruptor could, in part, be due to reduced sexual preference, with ecotoxicological importance for fish reproduction. Thus, the present results validate the use of the zebrafish model as a tool in studies related to FPR neurotoxicity.
Descargas
Archivos adicionales
Publicado
Cómo citar
Número
Sección
Licencia
Derechos de autor 2026 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Contamination
Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución 4.0.
Copyright © 2006 ECOTOX-Brasil
Copyright notice: It is a condition for publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not yet been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that copyright for their article is transferred to the Sociedade Brasileira de Ecotoxicologia (ECOTOX-Brasil) if and when the article is accepted for publication. The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute articles, including reprints, photographic reproductions or any other reproduction of a similar nature, including translations. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the publisher.
Notice: While every effort is made by the EEC, editors and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinions or statements appear in this journal, they wish to make it clear that the contents of the articles and advertisements published herein are the sole responsibility of the contributors or advertisers concerned. Accordingly, the EEC, the editorial board and editors and their respective employees, officers and agents accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the consequences of any inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement.
