Effect of Acute Exposure of Lead on Locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae
Shubham Gudadhe, Sushma Kumari Singh and Jawaid Ahsan*
Department of Biotechnology Central University of South Bihar, Gaya – 824 236, Bihar, India. *Corresponding author: Name: Jawaid Ahsan Phone: +91- 8521627799 E-mail: jahsan@cub.ac.in
ABSTRACT
Environmental contamination by heavy metals poses a significant threat to both ecological and human health. Lead (Pb), a highly toxic heavy metal, is known to cause severe neurotoxic effects, particularly affecting cognitive and motor functions. This study investigates the impact of lead exposure on the locomotory behavior of Drosophila melanogaster larvae, serving as a model for understanding lead-induced neurobehavioral impairments. Third-instar larvae were exposed to 20 mM and 25 mM concentrations of lead acetate, and their locomotion was assessed using a crawling assay. Results indicated a significant decline in larval motility in a concentration-dependent manner. The impairment in movement suggests lead-induced disruption of neuronal signaling, synaptic plasticity, and oxidative stress. These findings align with previous studies on lead toxicity, which report neurodevelopmental deficits and motor dysfunctions in various animal models. Given the genetic and neurological similarities between Drosophila and mammals, this study provides valuable insight into the broader implications of lead exposure on nervous system function. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate lead toxicity and prevent its long-term consequences on neurobehavioral health.