آثار مزمن سرب بر بیولوژی، ایمنی و برخی از فراسنجه‌های فیزیولوژی کرم غوزه‌ پنبه Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) در شرایط آزمایشگاهی

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metals present in the environment, leading to a wide range of tissue damage and apoptosis in insects. In the present study, larvae of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae), were fed an artificial diet containing Pb at concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 mg Pb/kg diet for one generation. The results showed that the presence of Pb prolonged the larval, pre-pupal, and pupal periods, and significantly reduced pupal weight at all three concentrations. The adult longevity was also significantly decreased compared to the control. The total number of hemocytes (THC), the percentage of granulocytes and plasmatocytes (DHC), and the number of nodules were significantly reduced compared to the control. The activity of intermediary enzymes including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly increased compared to the control. Similarly, the activity of antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidases showed an increasing trend in treated insects. Additionally, the activity of detoxifying enzymes including glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase was increased upon treatment. Similarly, an increase in the amount of metallothionein (MT) levels was observed in treated larvae in the dose-dependent manner. The results of present research indicated irreparable damages caused by Pb on various systems of living organisms when these organisms are under continuous exposure to this heavy metal.