Biochemical alterations in rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) exposed to organophosphorus insecticide, methylparathion

Abstract

The effect of exposure to sublethal concentrations of methylparathion on enzyme activities in the liver of rohu, Labeo rohita, was studied during 96 h exposure. Alterations were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) ) activities in the liver of L. rohita, of mean size 75 ± 6 g. ALP and ASP activity levels in methylparathion treated fishes were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control fishes. The LDH activity in the liver of L. rohita after methylparathion exposure was two-fold higher (p<0.05) when compared to control. These results revealed that methylparathion affects the intermediary metabolism of L. rohita and that the assayed enzymes can work as good biomarkers of methylparathion contamination.