Biochemical and Behavioral Effects of Carbofuran in Goldfish (Carassius Auratus)

Abstract

The effects of concentration (5, 50, and 500 microg/L) and duration (24, 48 h) of exposure to carbofuran, a carbamate insecticide, were assessed on brain catecholamine (norepinephrine [NE] and dopamine), plasma glucose, and hepatic glycogen contents and behavioral activities of goldfish (Carassius auratus). After 24 h of exposure to 50 and 500 microg/L, the level of NE was increased in the olfactory bulbs. The same effect was observed after a 48-h exposure to 500 and 50 microg/L in the telencephalic hemispheres and in the hypothalamus, respectively. An increase in the level of dopamine was also found in hypothalamus after 48 h of exposure to 500 microg/L carbofuran. Plasma glucose increased in concentration after both periods of exposure to carbofuran at 50 and 500 microg/L. Hepatic glycogen concentration decreased after a 48-h exposure to the highest concentration. Behavioral endpoints related to swimming pattern and social interactions were affected after a 24-h exposure to the lowest concentration tested (5 microg/L). The relative sensitivities of these different types of responses to exposure to carbofuran are discussed in light of data on the neurotoxic effects of carbamate and organophosphate insecticides in fish.

Carbofuran and malathion inhibit nucleotide hydrolysis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain membranes

“…The effect of carbofuran on brain catecholamines of goldfish was investigated. The exposure to 50 or 500 g/L carbofuran during 24 and 48 h caused a significant increase in catecholamines in distinct brain regions of goldfish (Bretaud et al, 2002). Our results have shown that ADP hydrolysis was significantly decreased after exposure to carbofuran, but there are no significant changes in ATP and AMP hydrolysis.…”

“…However, several studies have showed that CB and OP compounds may affect second messenger systems, and consequently transduction signal pathways, which could exert a modulatory effect on ectonucleotidase activities. Therefore, in order to evaluate if ectonucleotidases may be modulated through an indirect effect of pesticides, we have performed in vivo experiments testing lower concentrations, in the concentration range that can be found in the environment (50 g/L) or can be considered a sublethal concentration for cyprinids (500 g/L) (Ansari and Kumar, 1984;Bretaud et al, 2002).…”

Toxic influence of organophosphate, carbamate, and organochlorine pesticides on cellular metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates

“…14,77 The same effect was reported following a 48-hour exposure to carbofuran. 78 Subchronic exposure to malathion, enhanced hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, via stimulation of GP and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK); whereas diazinon increased hepatic PEPCK. [79][80][81] Dichlorvos reduced the activity of hepatic GK and liver glycogen content while hepatic GK mRNA levels were increased.…”

Behavior as biomarker? Laboratory versus field movement in round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) from highly contaminated habitats

“…Exposed individuals may decrease activity (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and aluminum; Allin and Wilson 1999, rainbow trout and copper;Campbell et al 2002), increase activity (e.g., stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, and EE 2 ; Bell 2004), induce a change in circadian activity patterns (carp, Cyprinus carpio, exposed to PCBs and TBT; Schmidt et al 2005), or affect the location of activity (goldfish, Carassius auratus, and carbofuran; Bretaud et al 2002). Toxicants to which animals are exposed may have neurotoxic effects (e.g., methylmercury or many pesticides), producing cognitive or motor deficits that can reduce or increase movement (Brewer et al 2001;Bretaud et al 2002). High doses of contaminants can also increase the metabolic burden of the body (e.g., to repair toxicant damage), depleting energy reserves and reducing body condition (Campbell et al 2002).…”