Effect of Lambda Cyhalothrin on the Activity of Enzymes Involved in Carbohydrate and Protein Metabolism

Abstract

An attempt has been made to study the toxic effects of a synthetic pyrethroid, lambda cyhalothrin in sub-lethal concentrations on the edible female catfish, Clarias batrachus. The fishes were exposed to the two different sub-lethal concentrations of the lambda cyhalothrin, a higher concentration of 5.768 ppm and a lower sub-lethal concentration of 2.884 ppm for a period of 45 days. Effect of lambda cyhalothrin on the activity of enzymes involved in metabolic pathways (carbohydrates and proteins) was analysed. The experimental analysis was carried out at regular intervals of 15, 30 and 45 days. A significant decline was also noticed in the total protein and protein bound sugar content of the various tissues under investigation in fishes of both experimental groups after 45 days of exposure to lambda cyhalothrin. The analysis showed initial increase in the activities of Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and protease enzymes followed by a significant decline with the increase in the durations of exposure. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and malic enzyme activity decreases with increase in the duration of exposure indicating hampered metabolism leading to less NADPH production. A significant decline was also witnessed in the pyruvate content of the tissues of the pyrethroid-exposed fishes of both groups. Lactate content of the various tissues of the pyrethroid-exposed fishes showed a significant elevation after 45 days of exposure to the sub-lethal concentrations of the pyrethroid.