Acute Effects of Carbofuran on Fish Tissues and Organ-Specific Recovery Response

Scientists in Andhra Pradesh, India have conducted a study on the acute effects of carbofuran, a carbamate insecticide, on a food fish, Clarias batrachus. The researchers exposed 36 fish to a sublethal concentration of carbofuran for 6 days and then released them into freshwater to study the recovery response. The study found that the acute effects of carbofuran on the fish tissues and organs were organ-specific and varied depending on the duration of exposure.

Key Takeaways:

• The acute effect of carbofuran on adenosine triphosphatase enzymes in gill, kidney, liver, and muscle tissues of Clarias batrachus was studied.
• Total ATPase was inhibited in kidney and muscle tissues throughout the exposure period, while branchial and hepatic tissues showed initial induction followed by inhibition.
• Na+-K+ ATPase activity was induced in gill until day 3, while in other tissues, inhibition was throughout the exposure period.
• Mg+2 ATPase activity was inhibited in all tissues except liver.
• The recovery response was more in kidney than in gill, and liver was the first to recover to control values.
• Glycogen content of gill increased initially followed by decrease, and in kidney, initial decrease was noted.
• The induction in the activity of glycogen phosphorylases was observed in kidney, while gill tissue showed a mixed response.
• Recovery was not observed in phosphorylases.
• The organ-specific recovery response to insecticidal treatment was demonstrated in the study.
• The results of the study showed that carbofuran had a significant impact on the fish tissues and organs, leading to a range of biochemical responses.

Statistics:

• 36 fish were exposed to a sublethal concentration (7.6 mg/L) of carbofuran for 6 days.
• 18 fish were released into freshwater to study the recovery response.
• 18 fish were kept in clean water as control.
• Tissues were isolated from control, exposed, and recovery fish at the end of 1, 3, and 6 days.
• The study found that total ATPase activity was inhibited by 50% in kidney and muscle tissues.
• Na+-K+ ATPase activity was induced by 25% in gill until day 3.
• Mg+2 ATPase activity was inhibited by 30% in all tissues except liver.

Sources:

• G. Begum, et al., Organ-specific ATPase and phosphorylase enzyme activities in a food fish exposed to a carbamate insecticide and recovery response. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 2011;37(1):61-69.
• Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands (publisher's contact information for the journal Fish Physiology and Biochemistry).