Effect of dichlorvos on cholinesterase activity of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2003

Authors

Varo, I (Author) Other; Navarro, JC (Author) Other; Amat, F (Author) Other; Guilhermino, L. (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology

Vol. 75

Pages: 61-72

ISSN: 0048-3575

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 65 Citations

Scopus - 64 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-HMZ

DOI: 10.1016/s0048-3575(03)00019-1

Abstract (EN): In this study, the acute toxicity of the organophosphorous pesticide (OP) dichlorvos and both in vitro and in vivo effects of dichlorvos on cholinesterase (ChE) activity of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were investigated. The characterisation of ChE and the "normal" range of activity in brain and muscle of non-exposed fish were determined in a first phase of the study. Acetylthiocholine was the substrate preferred of both brain and muscle ChE. Eserine sulphate and BW284C51 significantly inhibited the brain and muscle enzyme activity at low concentrations (muM range). Iso-OMPA had a significant effect in muscle, but not in brain tissue. These results suggest that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the predominant ChE form in brain tissue. In contrast, both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase seem to exist in muscle. Using acetylthiocholine as substrate, the "normal" range of fingerling head and muscle ChE were 58.05 +/- 2.11 and 118.03 +/- 8.67 U/mg protein, respectively. Corresponding values for juveniles were 43.32 +/- 4.42 and 19.44 +/- 2.44 U/mg protein for brain and muscle, respectively. Dichlorvos significantly inhibited the activity of ChE in the selected tissues, both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Differences in ChE sensitivity were found in relation to the age of the fish and the tissue analysed. The present study also showed that fingerlings of the European sea bass are relatively resistant to in vivo acute (96 h) dichlorvos exposure to concentrations between 0.125 and I mg/L, being able to tolerate high percentages of head ChE inhibition (37% and 76%) without lethal effects.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12