Analysis of Developmental Exposure to the Pesticide Imidacloprid on Stress Physiology in African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus laevis)

Amphibian populations are declining globally and one third of all amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Numerous studies suggest that chemical contaminants and disease present immediate threats to amphibian populations worldwide. In this study, African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) were exposed to four environmentally relevant concentrations of the commonly used neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, throughout their development from hatching through metamorphosis. Toxicity, length of time to complete metamorphosis, and morphology were measured at metamorphosis. A subset of the animals was maintained through maturity in the appropriate imidacloprid dose following metamorphosis. The purpose of our current study is to analyze the health of these animals as adults after developmental exposure. We will analyze endocrine stress physiology and nutrient metabolism in these animals. Specifically, we will examine the impact of developmental imidacloprid exposure on blood glucose regulation in adult African clawed frogs. Through this study, we may be able to protect amphibian health by generating awareness around the safety of certain noenicitinoid insecticides in the natural environment.