Neonicotinoids Publisher



Manavi MA¹ ; Nasab MHF¹ ; Daghighi SM² ; Baeeri M² Show Affiliations
Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023

Abstract

Neonicotinoids are a type of insecticides that work by interacting with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in neurons. Due to the high affinity of these insecticides for insect receptors and their low affinity for vertebrate receptors, including mammals and humans, they have high efficacy along with low side effects. However, despite the relatively low toxicity of these insecticides to vertebrates, their accumulation and overuse can increase the risk of exposure and toxicity. The abundance, variety, and ubiquity of neonicotinoids have raised questions about whether they can poison non-target organisms. In general, early exposure to neonicotinoids disrupts proper neural development, resulting in decreased neurogenesis and migration, and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, neonicotinoids cause neurobehavioral toxicity, which is linked to their modifying influence on nAChRs and the resulting neurochemical changes. All of these impacts can cause oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and, eventually, neuronal death by activating a variety of intracellular signaling pathways. Most of the effects reported in the various experiments might be attributed to alterations in nAChR function caused by neonicotinoids. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.