Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is an orally active molluscicide. Metaldehyde acts as a feeding inhibitor. Metaldehyde disrupts the feeding cycle, impairs righting ability, delays fecal excretion, induces toxic symptoms in slugs, reduces the concentrations of neurotransmitters (Noradrenaline, 5-HT (HY-B1473A)) in the mouse brain, and induces lethal clonic-tonic convulsions in mice^[1][2][3][4]. In Vitro:Metaldehyde (1 g/L) does not alter any measured hemocyte parameters in in vitro cultures of Crassostrea gigas hemocytes^[3]. In Vivo:Metaldehyde (p.o.) exhibits moderate acute oral toxicity in rats, with an LD₅₀ range of 227-690 mg/kg, and an acute oral toxicity value of 630 mg/kg has been reported^[1].
Metaldehyde (p.o.) exhibits moderate acute oral toxicity in rabbits, with an LD₅₀ ranging from 290 to 1250 mg/kg^[1].
Metaldehyde (p.o.) exhibits moderate acute oral toxicity in mice, with an LD₅₀ of 200 mg/kg^[1].
Metaldehyde (p.o.) exhibits moderate acute oral toxicity in guinea pigs, with an LD₅₀ range of 175-700 mg/kg^[1].
Metaldehyde (p.o.) exhibits moderate acute oral toxicity in dogs, with an LD₅₀ range of 100-1000 mg/kg, and lethal effects occur at doses of 250-1000 mg/kg^[1].
Metaldehyde (following water exposure) exhibits acute aquatic toxicity to rainbow trout and bluegill sunfish, with an LD₅₀ of ≤100 µg/L^[1].
Metaldehyde (30 mg; 1 g/kg; p.o.; single administration) induces fatal clonic-tonic convulsions in mice within 2 hours and significantly reduces the concentrations of NA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in mouse brains; the 30 mg dose reduces the levels of these amines to 12%, 17% and 17% of those in the control group, respectively^[4].