Can insecticide-free clean water regenerate the midgut epithelium of the freshwater shrimp after dimethoate treatment?

Abstract

Insecticides such as dimethoate persist for a long time in freshwater environments, influencing the physiology of the animals inhabiting such environments. In aquatic organisms, toxic substances can enter the body through the epidermis and the digestive system. The midgut is part of this system in which intense processes constitute a barrier against the effects of toxic substances on the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic potential of dimethoate in the midgut epithelium of the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina davidi, emphasizing ultrastructural alterations. However, the additional and main purpose was to determine whether the midgut epithelium can regenerate after placing animals in insecticide-free clean water after various periods of exposure to dimethoate. N. davidi originates from Asia, but it has also been described in European rivers. This species is of particular interest among breeders worldwide due to its ease of breeding and reproduction. The animals were treated with dimethoate for 1, 2, and 3 weeks and then placed in clean water for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed different sensitivity of organs forming the midgut in freshwater crustaceans and the possibility for midgut regeneration after insecticide exposure. We concluded that different processes were triggered in the intestine and hepatopancreas to regenerate cells after damage, and mitochondria were the first organelles to respond to the appearance of a stressor in the living environment.