Assessing the neurotoxicity of the carbamate methomyl in Caenorhabditis elegans with a multi-level approach

The neurotoxicity and developmental effects of a widely applied insecticide (methomyl) was investigated by multi-level approach (behavior biometry, biochemical alterations neurodegeneration) in Caenorhabditis elegans upon short-term exposure (1 h) post-exposure period (48 h). 1-h to sub-lethal concentrations methomyl (lower than 0.320 g L?1; i.e. below the estimated LC10) triggered significant changes on motor behavior development impairment. type movement significantly altered methomyl-exposed worms, as well biometric parameters (worms frequently idle moving more backwards controls; small body area, length wavelength). These were followed an increase acetylcholine levels. Interestingly, after 48-h recovery period, previously exposed worms similar controls, concentration-dependent reversion endpoints recorded, pointing out transient action carbamate line with apparent absence cholinergic neurons damage. This study provided new insight showing that transient, apparently did not result neurodegeneration neurons. Moreover, these findings reinforced advantages using C. for pesticide assessment.