Changes of selected biochemical parameters of the honeybee under the influence of an electric field at 50 Hz and variable intensities

Abstract

AbstractTwo-day-old honeybee workers (± 6 h) were placed in cages and supplied with sucrose solution (1 mol/dm3) ad libitum. Subsequently, the cages with bees were placed in an electric field (E-field) exposure system with field intensities of 5.0 kV/m, 11.5 kV/m, 23 kV/m, and 34.5 kV/m. The duration of exposure was 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h. The biochemical parameters SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power), and also acidic, neutral, and alkaline proteases in the worker bee hemolymph were analyzed. The E-field increased activities of antioxidant systems, especially SOD, and also the proteolytic systems. In the groups: 11.5 kV/m–time 6 h, 23.0 kV/m–time 1 h, and 34.5 kV/m–time 1 h, FRAP levels were decreased in comparison with the control samples. These findings are discussed in context with possible consequences for honeybee health in urban and rural environments.