The influence of sublethal doses of imidacloprid on protein content and proteolytic activity in bees

The effect of sublethal doses of imidacloprid on protein content and activity of proteases on honey bees was analyzed.
The study was conducted in three experimental groups: colonies from groups BE-5 and BE-200 were contaminated
with 5 and 200 ppb of imidacloprid, respectively, via their food supply (syrup and pollen), while group BE was used as
control (untreated). Bee samples were collected 3 and 10 weeks after feeding started. Protein concentration in bee
tissue extracts was analyzed with reference: (a) to the dose of imidacloprid; and (b) duration of exposure to the
chemical. The average quantity of protein content was significantly higher at the 3-week interval than in the 10-week
interval and the bees from control colonies (BE) had significantly higher protein contents than contaminated bees (BE-5
and BE-200), even 3 weeks after feeding with imidacloprid started. Similarly, the activity of proteolytic enzymes
(proteases) was found to be dependent on the dose of imidacloprid used, compared to bees from control colonies
showing significantly higher activity

Jerzy Wilde, Regina J Frączek, Maciej Siuda, Beata Bąk, Fani Hatjina & Artur
Miszczak (2016): The influence of sublethal doses of imidacloprid on protein content and
proteolytic activity in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), Journal of Apicultural Research, DOI:
10.1080/00218839.2016.1211394