%0 Journal Article
%T Acute Exposure to Arsenic Affects Cognition in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae
%A Anushree Anushree
%A Zeeshan Ali
%A Jawaid Ahsan
%J Entomology and Applied Science Letters
%@ 2349-2864
%D 2022
%V 9
%N 4
%R 10.51847/cr5yw3pjyP
%P 70-78
%X Arsenic has been a matter of concern and a major risk factor for public health in many parts of the world. Globally, human health and ecosystems are negatively impacted by arsenicosis of groundwater caused by natural and anthropogenic sources. Inorganic arsenic specifically in its trivalent form is highly neurotoxic due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, its exposure poses a significant threat to human health, including CNS alterations and deficits of recent memory, learning, and focus. In this study, we have explored the possibility and usefulness of the vinegar fly (commonly called fruit fly) Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to investigate the effects of acute exposure to arsenic employing various behavioral assays. The vinegar fly offers the adaptability and toolkit needed for researchers to experimentally examine and study the behavior and gene expression in a defined population. We have assessed the toxic effects of inorganic arsenic on third-instar larvae of vinegar flies for their cognitive and olfactory responses in a time and dose-dependent manner. We have measured the olfactory response index of arsenic-treated flies and have also looked at their learning abilities. Our results show that acute exposure to arsenic negatively affects the olfaction, learning, and memory in the larvae of vinegar flies. 
%U https://easletters.com/article/acute-exposure-to-arsenic-affects-cognition-in-drosophila-melanogaster-larvae-ict2hiihrhudrgg