Impact of clothianidin exposure on the growth, metabolism, and neurological function of Penaeus vannamei

Clothianidin, a widely used neonicotinoid pesticide, poses potential ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems due to its unique mode of action and widespread environmental dispersal. This study investigates the toxic effects of clothianidin on Penaeus vannamei at different concentrations over 28 days. High concentrations of clothianidin significantly affected shrimp physiology, as evidenced by changes in survival rate and weight gain. Markers of oxidative stress, including decreased respiratory burst, reduced glutathione levels, and diminished antioxidant enzyme activities, indicated that clothianidin triggered oxidative stress responses in shrimp. Additionally, changes in lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities suggested disruptions in energy metabolism in the hepatopancreas. Analysis of the nervous system revealed significant disturbances in neural signaling, reflected by altered levels of acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, and dopamine. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted significant changes in gene expression and metabolic processes in the nervous system. This study demonstrates that clothianidin disrupts oxidative balance, energy metabolism, and neural signaling, affecting the growth of P. vannamei and providing valuable insights into its biochemical and transcriptomic toxicity in aquatic environments. Graphic Abstract: (Figure presented.)