الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The purpose of this study is to assess the potential effects of PbO and CdO NPs, either separately or in combination with sub-lethal concentrations after exposure for nine days to honey bees (Apis.Mellifera L.) workers (Hymenoptera; Apidae). Honey bee workers were orally exposed for nine days under laboratory conditions to sublethal concentrations (10% of LC50) of CdO (0.01 mg ml-1) and PbO (0.65 mg ml-1) NPs either separately or combined. Control honey bee workers were fed 1.5 M sucrose syrup without PbO and CdO NPs.Effects on survival rate, feeding rate and mortality rate, activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and expression of stress-related detoxifying enzymes were quantified. Histological and cellular structure of mid gut cells were investigated using light and transmission electron microscope and percentages of incidence of apoptosis or/and necrosis in mid gut cells were also quantified by use of flow cytometry. Confirmation of the presence and the identity of the NPs using SEM-EDX spectrums of air-dried mid gut tissues of honey bee workers was recorded. |