Pesticide-induced dysfunction in carbohydrate metabolism in three freshwater fishes.

In the present investigation, the effect of sublethal fractions (1/4th, 1/8th and 1/16th of 96-hr LC50) of thiotox and dichlorvos on blood glucose, lactate, and liver and muscle glycogen levels of Clarias batrachus, Saccobranchus fossilis, and Mystus vittatus, exposed for 30 days, have been studied. It was observed that blood glucose and lactate levels increased from 29.13 to 98.36% and from 10.88 to 36.36%, respectively. The liver and muscle glycogen decreased from 22.99 to 69.30% and from 5.19 to 32.19%, respectively. The reasons for this carbohydrate imbalance have also been suggested.

Effect of phenolic compounds on in vivo activity of transaminases in certain tissues of the fish, Notopterus notopterus.

Chronic effects of phenol (P), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) individually and in three combinations, viz. (PCP + DNP)/P (highly antagonistic), (DNP + P)/PCP (additive), and (P + DNP)/PCP (highly synergistic) on in vivo activity of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in brain, liver, kidney, and gills of Notopterus notopterus were studied at subacute levels (1/10, 1/15, and 1/20 of 96-hr LC50) following exposure for 15 and 30 days. Significant stimulation in activity of GOT and GPT was observed in all the tissues at different concentrations of phenolic compounds after both the time intervals. However, stimulation in activity of both GOT and GPT was maximum (140.67% in GOT, 142.68% in GPT) in liver at 1/10 concentration of the (P + DNP)/PCP combination after 30 days, but minimum in gills, in case of GOT (17.29%) at 1/20 of P after 15 days and in case of GPT (7.68%) at 1/20 of the (PCP + DNP)/P combination after 30 days. Stimulatory effect of phenolic compounds on the activity of these enzymes indicates possibly the increased conversion of amino acids into keto acids and vice versa, thus resulting in the disturbance of protein metabolism.

Effects of phenolic compounds on 5-nucleotidase activity in some tissues of Notopterus notopterus (Pallas): a biochemical study.

In the present study, effects of phenol (P), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) individually, and in three combinations viz., (PCP + DNP)/P (highly antagonistic), (DNP + P)/PCP (additive) and (P + DNP)/PCP (highly synergistic) at three sublethal levels (1/10, 1/15, and 1/20 fractions of 96 h LC50) on 5-nucleotidase activity have been studied in brain, liver, kidney and gills of a freshwater teleost, Notopterus notopterus. The results indicate that 5-nucleotidase activity was inhibited significantly (P less than 0.05; P less than 0.01; P less than 0.001) in these tissues at most of the concentrations after 15 and 30 days of exposure. However, significant stimulation (P less than 0.05) of this enzyme was also notice in kidney at 1/20 of P, and (PCP + DNP)/P combination after 15 days of exposure. Inhibition of this enzyme in tissues possibly represents the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, while stimulation of the enzyme indicates that the concerned phenolic compounds might be inducing the cells of the kidney to produce more of this enzyme.

Effects of sodium pentachlorophenate on enzymes of energy metabolism in tissues of Notopterus notopterus.

Effect of sublethal concentrations (0.0083, 0.0055, 0.0041, 0.0033 and 0.0028 mg/l) of sodium penta-chlorophenate (Na-PCP) on the enzymes SDH, PDH and LDH in brain, liver and gills of Notopterus notopterus after 15 ad 30 days exposure were studied. SDH and PDH were inhibited, and LDH were stimulated significantly at most concentrations. However, changes were maximum (-68.3%, -73.4% and +197.7% for SDH, PDH and LDH, respectively) in brain after 30 days, and minimum (-1.3% and +2.4% for SDH and LDH, respectively) in gills and (-3.4% for PDH) brain after 15 days. Inhibition of SDH and PDH, and the stimulation of LDH activity indicate the development of anaerobic conditions at the cellular level in pollutant-stressed fish.

Effects of a few xenobiots on three phosphatases of Saccobranchus fossilis and the role of ascorbic acid in their toxicity.

The effects of 0.0021, 0.00126 and 0.00063 mg thiotox per liter and 5.18, 3.11 and 1.56 malathion per liter (1/3, 1/5, and 1/10 fractions of 96-h LC50) on acid, alkaline and glucose-6-phosphatases in liver, brain and gills of Saccobranchus fossilis were studied after 30 days exposure with or without ascorbic acid. These enzyme activities were altered by these pesticides, but lesser alterations were observed when ascorbic acid was given.

In vitro effect of mercury on tissue phosphatases of Notopterus notopterus and the role of EDTA and AA in their restoration.

In vitro effects of four sublethal concentrations (0.10, 0.40, 0.80 and 1.20 micrograms) of mercury (hg) on acid, alkaline and glucose-6-phosphatases of liver, kidney and gills of Notopterus notopterus were studied. The maximum (80.76%) significant (P less than 0.001) inhibition in acid phosphatase of gills and minimum (36.66%) significant (P less than 0.05%) inhibition in alkaline phosphatase of kidney was observed at 1.20 microgram and 0.10 microgram Hg concentrations, respectively. EDTA and ascorbic acid (AA) restored the phosphatase activity to the greatest extent when administered with the Hg.

Pesticide-induced physiological alterations in certain tissues of a fish, Mystus vittatus.

Effect of sublethal concentrations (1/5, 1/10 and 1/15 fractions of 96-h TL50) of thiotox, dichlorvos and carbofuran on acid, alkaline and glucose-6-phosphatase of liver, kidney and gills of Mystus vittatus have been studied. Maximum (62.79%) inhibition of alkaline phosphatase in gills after thiotox (0.00013 mg/l) treatment have been observed. At 0.000045mg/l concentrations of thiotox, a marginal (7.6%) and significant (P less than 0.01) stimulation was observed in hepatic alkaline phosphatase activity.

Effect of phenolic compounds on in vivo activity of glucose-6-phosphatase in certain tissues of Notopterus notopterus.

The effects of phenol (P), dinitrophenol (DNP), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and their three combinations--(PCP + DNP)/P (highly antagonistic), (DNP + P)/PCP (additive) and (P + DNP)/PCP (highly synergistic)-- on glucose-6-phosphatase activity in liver, brain, kidney and gills of Notopterus notopterus were studied at three sub-acute concentrations (1/10, 1/15 and 1/20 the fraction of the 96-h LC50) after 15 and 30 days of exposure. When these chemicals were used separately, PCP exerted more effect than DNP and P. Maximum (71.56%) and highly significant (P less than 0.001) inhibition was observed in liver at the highest concentration of (P + DNP)/PCP combination after 30 days exposure, and lowest (3.64%) and insignificant inhibition in kidney at 1/20 of the (PCP + DNP)/P combination after 15 days exposure. Significant (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01) stimulation in kidney or no effect in other tissues was observed in lower concentrations of P, DNP and (PCP + DNP)/P.

Isolated and combined effects of pesticides on serum transaminases in Mystus vittatus (African catfish).

Alterations in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels of Mystus vittatus (African catfish) after exposure to subacute concentrations of thiotox (T), dichlorvos (D), and carbofuran (C) and their combinations C/T (antagonistic), T/D (additive) and (T + D)/C (synergistic) for a period of 30 days have been investigated. Alterations were more evident in SGOT than in SGPT. Maximum (92.5%) elevation was observed with SGOT at the highest concentration of (T + D)/C combination and the lowest (14.76%) at the lowest concentration of T/D combination. Significant (P less than 0.05) stimulation was observed except at the lowest concentration after all treatments.

Synergism, antagonism, and additivity of phenol, pentachlorophenol, and dinitrophenol to a fish (Notopterus notopterus).

The toxicity of phenol (P), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and dinitrophenol (DNP) was determined separately and in different combinations with a test fish, Notopterus notopterus, using the procedure of Schubert et al. (1978) that provided a simple, sensitive, and quantitative index of synergism, antagonism and additivity. The combination (P + DNP)/PCP was found to be the most synergistic, while (PCP + DNP)/P was antagonistic in nature. The (DNP + P)/PCP combination was additive in its effect. The other combinations were also synergistic, but to a lesser extent than the (P + DNP)/PCP combination.

Effects of phenolic compounds on in vivo blood parameters of a fish Notopterus notopterus.

Effects of phenol (P), dinitrophenol (DNP), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and their three combinations, antagonistic [(PCP + DNP)/P], additive [(DNP + P)/PCP] and synergistic [(P + DNP)/PCP], at three subacute concentrations (1/10th, 1/15th and 1/20th fractions of 96 h LC50) were determined on several blood parameters after 30 days exposure taking Notopterus notopterus as a test fish. Generally, RBC, WBC and PCV were found to be increased while CT, ESR, Hb, MCH, MCHC and MCV were decreased. However, PCP showed dual effects in many cases. CT and MCV were decreased in PCP alone and in (DNP + P)/PCP combination, while increased in (P + DNP)/PCP combinations while decreased in PCP alone. Again RBC and MCV were decreased/increased in DNP alone. Significance of findings is that these haematological parameters can be used as scientifically most accurate are reliable laboratory diagnostic indices by fish breeders, administrators and scientists as to know the state of health of fish population and to make warning about deleterious effects of phenolic compounds so that appropriate measure may be taken by all concerned to protect a valuable source of human food.

In vivo subacute physiological stress induced by phenolic compounds on acid and alkaline phosphatases in serum of a fish, Notopterus notopterus.

The in vivo effects of phenol (P), dinitrophenol (DNP), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and their combinations--antagonistic [(PCP + DNP)/P], additive [(DNP + P)/PCP] and synergistic [(P + DNP)/PCP] [18]--on acid and alkaline phosphatases in serum of Notopterus notopterus have been studied at three subacute levels (1/10, 1/15 and 1/20 of 96-h LC50) after 15 and 30 days of exposure. Stimulation in acid phosphatase was more pronounced than in alkaline phosphatase when the fish were exposed to P, DNP, PCP and (P + DNP)/PCP for both time intervals. In (PCP + DNP)/P and (DNP + P)/PCP, however, the stimulation was greater in alkaline phosphatase.

Histochemical mapping of alkaline phosphatase in the digestive system of a few teleost fishes.

The alkaline phosphatase activity is mapped in all the parts of the digestive system of Colisa fasciatus, Macrognathus aculeatus, Notopterus notopterus and Nandus nandus. In the posterior region of the alimentary canal of all the 4 fishes the activity is poorer as compared to other parts. In Colisa fasciatus and Macrognathus aculeatus, the activity at the distal end of pyloric caeca is poorer as compared to the proximal part. In Notopterus notopterus and Nandus nandus however, it is practically of the same intensity at both the parts. Mucosal and submucosal layers have been found to have intense alkaline phosphatase activity as compared to muscularis and serosal layers. Except Nandus nandus, gastric glands of all the remaining fishes show partial activity of this enzyme. However, gastric epithelium of all the four fishes shows good activity. Hepatic cells are rich in alkaline phosphatase activity. The cytoplasm of the hepatic cells and pancreatic acinar cells have intense reaction. Presence of alkaline phosphatase is in relation with the secretory and absorption activity of tissue or cells.

Effects of phenol and dinitrophenol on acid and alkaline phosphatases in tissues of a fish (Notopterus notopterus).

Specimens of a fresh water fish, Notopterus notopterus were exposed to either phenol (12.56 mg/L), dinitrtophenol (1.34 mg/L), or a mixture of the two (6.28 mg phenol + 0.67 mg dinitrophenol/L) for 72-hr. Surviving fish were sacrificed at 24-, 48-, and 72-hr after exposure, and tissue samples were taken for determining the acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Phenol, dinitrophenol, and mixtures of both, inhibited the activity of both enzymes in the kidney, heart, brain, gills, muscles, stomach, intestine, and pyloric caeca. dinitrophenol exerted more inhibition than phenol. In general, mixtures of phenol and dinitrophenol are somewhat more effective than either compound alone in the inhibition of enzyme activities.

Histo-chemical mapping of phosphomonoesterases in the gonads of Notopterus notopterus and Colisa fasciatus during different seasons. Part II. Adenosine triphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase.

Histochemical techniques described by McManus (1960) have been applied in the fishes, Notopterus notopterus and Colisa fasciatus, for the study of Glucose-60phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase in the four stages of gonads in different seasons. It has been observed that the activity of adenosine triphosphatase is more intense in comparison to the activity of Glucose-6-phosphatase in all the stages i.e. I (immature), II (maturing), III (mature) and IV (spent) of the gonads in both the fishes. The general tendency of the adenosine triphosphatase and Glucose-6-phosphatase distribution in the gonads are much more remarkable in stage II in comparison to stage I, III and IV. The stage I seems to be the stage of synthesis of these enzymes. In stage III and IV, these enzymes show the tendency of declination with the time period. The possible role of these enzymes seems to be the transport of glucose across the cell membrane involving phosphorylation and dephosphorylation which depend on the different stages of gonad maturation.