In vitro and in vivo inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase by metals in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Metals are natural components in ecosystems; however, if these elements are in excess, they can have adverse effects on living organisms. This study analyzes the interference of copper, lead, iron and cadmium in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities in zebrafish. AChE was significantly inhibited in vitro by copper, iron, lead and cadmium at higher concentrations (10 and 20 mmol/L), whereas CbE was inhibited only at a concentration of 20 mmol/L. In vivo, only lead and cadmium were able to cause AChE inhibition at higher concentrations, while iron didn't cause any changes, and copper promoted an increase in AChE activity at a concentration of 0.06 mg/L. CbE activity did not change at any of the times (two and seven days) and concentrations tested, except in the case of copper exposure, which resulted in a decrease in CbE activity. Indeed, iodoacetamide treatment didn't changed AChE neither CbE activities, results which indicate that the metal inhibiting effect is probably not due to its biding to thiol groups close the active site of the enzyme. This outcome reveals that metals are important esterase inhibitors in zebrafish, and should be considered in environmental monitoring studies that use esterase inhibition as exposure biomarkers of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides.

► Zebrafish esterases are inhibited by metals both in vitro and in vivo.
► Acetylcholinesterase is more responsive than carboxylesterase to metals.
►  In vitro, only high concentrations of metals are able to inhibit esterase.
► In vivo, esterases are inhibited at lower concentrations.
► Metal effects on esterase are indirect, possibly due to physiological alterations.