Effect of methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos on certain biomarkers in various tissues of guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata

Tests of acute toxicity were performed on the most common species of aquarium fish, Poecilia reticulata. Guppies (P. reticulata) were exposed to progressive concentrations of methyl parathion (MP) and chlorpyrifos (CPF); a semi-static method according to guidelines of OECD was used. Tests of acute toxicity were conducted using 10 fish for each separate concentration and for the control group. The results were subjected to probit analysis to determine the 96 h LC50 values. The 96 h LC50 values of MP and CPF to P. reticulata were 8.48 ppm/L (5.98–10.89) and 0.176 ppm/L (0.313–0.224) respectively. In addition, behavioral changes at each concentration were observed for the individual fish. Fish were exposed for 96 h to different sublethal concentrations of MP and CPF (¼ LC50, 1/8 LC50 and 1/10 LC50) and their oxidative stress-induction potential was estimated in brain, liver and gills of fish. MDA content is induced in all tissues but maximum rise was observed in gills (161% and 153% for MP and CPF respectively). With regard to antioxidant defense system (ADS), GSH level decreased in the brain, liver and gills of tissues of MP treated fishes (22%, 6% and 13% respectively) and showed increase in brain and gills CPF treated (23% and 21% respectively). CAT, GST, GR and SOD levels fluctuated in all treatment groups relative to the control. Brain AChE showed dose-dependent inhibition in fish exposed to the higher concentrations reached 45% and 66% for MP and CPF respectively. Collective findings demonstrated that pesticide exposure of fish induced an increase in MDA and fluctuated ADS along with inhibited AChE. These findings may be used as valuable biomarkers for evaluation of water pollution.

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► 96 h LC50 of methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos in Poecilia reticulata is 8.48 ppm and 0.176 ppm respectively.
► Methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos induce MDA content in P. reticulata.
► Methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos inhibit brain acetylcholinesterase activity.
► Methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos induced oxidative stress.