The neonicotinoid thiacloprid leads to multiple defects during early embryogenesis of the South African clawed frog (Xenopuslaevis)

There is increasing concern about the health effects of pesticides that pollute natural waters. In particular, the use of neonicotinoids, such as thiacloprid (THD), is causing unease. THD is considered non-toxic to non-target vertebrates. Studies classify THD as carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, and therefore harmful to the environment. A detailed study of possible THD effects during the amphibian embryogenesis is needed because leaching can introduce THD into aquatic environments. We incubated stage 2 embryos of the South African clawed frog in various THD concentrations (0.1–100 mg/L) at 14 °C to study the potential effects of a one-time THD contamination of waters on the early embryogenesis. We showed that THD has, indeed, negative effects on the embryonic development of the X. laevis. A treatment with THD led to a reduced embryonic body length and mobility. Furthermore, a treatment with THD resulted in smaller cranial cartilages, eyes and brains, and the embryos had shorter cranial nerves and an impaired cardiogenesis. On a molecular basis, THD led to a reduced expression of the brain marker emx1 and the heart marker mhcα. Our results underly the importance of a strict and efficient monitoring of the regulatory levels and application areas of THD. •THD treatment leads to a reduced mobility.•THD treatment leads to an impaired neural development.•THD treatment leads to defects in cardiac development.•THD treatment leads to a disturbed marker gene expression in brain and heart.•THD treatment leads to a reduced proliferation.