ABSTRACT
Administration of a carbamate pesticide carbaryl (1-Naphthyl-N-methyl carbamate) at a concentration of 60 and 100 ppm greatly inhibits the endocytotic functions during growth of the cellular slime mold D. discoideum. The ingestion of fluorescien isothiocynate (FITC) labeled E. coli is reduced between 30 and 40% in the treated cells as compared to controls. Similarly, the uptake of FITC-labeled dextran, which has been used as fluid-phase marker for pinocytosis also show 40-50% inhibition in the treated cells. 3H-leucine uptake and incorporation are also inhibited in the treated cells. SDS-PAGE analysis of cytoskeletal proteins shows a higher actin association with the membrane of treated cells. The results demonstrate the detrimental effects of Carbamate on the soil microbe even at a very low concentration and the efficacy of the slime mold cells as a biosensor for the carbamate-induced cytotoxicity.