Centre for Environment and Nature Conservation, Department of Zoology, Patna University, Patna-800005, India.
The effects of carbaryl on the acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) in the brain and butrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) in the plasma of the frog Rana tigrina were evaluated. Both these enzymes are inactivated by carbaryl (Sevin), the most commonly used pesticide. The assessment of the cholinesterase inhibition is a useful tool to evaluate environmental pollution. AChE as a biomarker of anticholinesterase compounds in monitoring program has become imperative since AChE is present from insects to human beings. The study revealed that, butrylcholinesterase activity in the plasma and AChE activity in the brain decreased significantly (p < 0.015) following the treatment of carbaryl suggesting inhibition of AChE. AChE as biomarker has been further corroborated by the study of AST (EC 2.6.1.1) and ALT (EC 2.6.1.2) in the plasma of the frog, R. tigrina. There was a gradual behavioral recovery of the animal under the terminal period of 48 hrs suggesting reversible reaction of carbaryl.
Acetylcholinesterase, plasma, brain, biomarker, frogs
