Impact of organophosphate pesticides, methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos on some tissue enzymes in fish (Aphanius dispar)

Abstract

In the present study acute effects of methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos on tissue enzyme activity (acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed in fish juveniles using enzyme analysis kit. Results depict both elevation and inhibition of enzymes in the treated fish. The results revealed significant elevation in ALT activity of both pesticide i.e., methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos by (105%) and (118%) as compared to control and inhibition in AChE, LDH, AST and ALP enzymes. The AChE and ALP activity levels decreased significantly (p< 0.05) in both pesticide treated groups. Significant decrease levels of ACP activity in fish tissue were noticed in methyl parathion treated fish. But in case of chlorpyrifos treated fish, increase in ACP activity (101%) was observed, however the increase was not significant (p< 0.05).