Abstract
In the present study, we evaluated the stress response in adult rats who were administered imidacloprid (IMI) orally in two doses (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg bw for 60 days). It led to an alteration in the levels of cortisone and catecholamines and induced behavioral deficits, particularly in the animals exposed to the dose of 1.0 mg/kg. IMI was further analyzed for the effect on glucose homeostasis in developing and adult rats at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg bw where it elicited a hyperglycemic effect. Moreover, we observed an alteration in the mRNA levels of glucose transporters. Histopathological and immunohistochemical data displayed structural perturbations in pancreatic tissue with a decline in the expression of insulin and GLUT4, particularly in the developing rats. Collectively, IMI treatment resulted in stress represented by behavioral and biochemical changes, particularly at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg bw. Moreover, IMI perturbed the glucose regulation through hyperglycemic activity in both developing and adult rats, an observation clearly evident in the developing rats.