Neuromuscular, retinal, and reproductive impact of low-dose polystyrene microplastics on Drosophila

Facing the challenge of global microplastics (MPs) pollution, full characterization of MPs biohazards is urgent. Recent intensive studies revealed that the toxicity depends on the material, size, and exposure concentration of MP. To better elucidate MPs biohazards, we investigated the impact of polystyrene-MPs of size 0.1 mu m at a low dose of 50 mu g/L on the neuromuscular, retinal, and reproductive phenotypes of fruit fly model, by voltage clamped electrophysiology, electroretinogram, and reproductive assay, respectively. We found that MPs decreased the frequency of spontaneous junction currents of synapse and altered the receptor potential amplitude of the retina. Furthermore, MPs lowered the rate of embryo-laying of fruit flies. The differential gene expression of ligand-receptor interaction, endocytosis, phototransduction, and Toll/Imd signaling pathways might underlie these MPs-induced phenotypes. These findings call for further investigation on the potential biohazards of low dose MPs.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown that the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) depends on the material, size, and exposure concentration. Research on the impact of polystyrene-MPs of size 0.1 μm at a low dose of 50 μg/L revealed a decrease in synaptic spontaneous junction currents, altered receptor potential amplitude of the retina, and lowered embryo-laying rate in fruit flies. Differential gene expression in ligand-receptor interaction, endocytosis, phototransduction, and Toll/Imd signaling pathways may underlie these phenotypes induced by MPs. These findings call for further investigation into the potential biohazards of low dose MPs.