Effect of Chronic Zinc Chloride Exposure on Climbing Ability in Drosophila melanogaster and Its Modulation by Vitamin C
Author : Mehek Naaz, Shalini KS, Yashaswini P, Shree lakshmi K and Shakunthala V
Abstract :
The climbing assay, also known as the negative geotaxis assay, was employed to assess the effect of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and the antioxidant vitamin C on the locomotor ability of Drosophila melanogaster. This assay serves as a sensitive indicator of neuromuscular function and age-related or toxin-induced motor deficits in flies. Adult Drosophila were exposed to two concentrations of ZnCl₂, both individually and in combination with vitamin C. Following exposure, flies were subjected to the climbing assay, where in their ability to ascend a vertical surface within a defined time period was recorded. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent impairment in climbing ability in ZnCl₂-treated groups, indicating locomotor dysfunction likely due to zinc-induced oxidative stress or neurotoxicity. Flies treated with high concentration of ZnCl₂ exhibited a more pronounced decline in climbing performance compared to those exposed to lower concentration. Notably, co-treatment with vitamin C significantly improved climbing ability in both treatment groups, suggesting a protective or restorative role of the antioxidant in maintaining neuromuscular coordination and reducing oxidative damage. The findings affirm that the climbing assay is an effective behavioural tool for detecting sub-lethal toxic effects and demonstrate that vitamin C can mitigate zinc-induced locomotor deficits in Drosophila melanogaster.
Keywords :
Drosophila melanogaster, climbing assay, negative geotaxis, zinc chloride (ZnCl₂), vitamin C, locomotor activity, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, antioxidant protection, behavioural assay.
