Effects of long-term alachlor exposure on hepatic antioxidant defense and detoxifying enzyme activities in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Alachlor has been widely used in agriculture all over the world. It is suggested that it may be a carcinogen and also an environmental estrogen. In this paper, the physiological and biochemical perturbations of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) exposed to alachlor at different concentrations over 60 days were investigated. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were measured. The activity of hepatic antioxidant defense and detoxifying enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the content of glutathione (GSH) were determined and compared with the control group. The result showed that GSI and HSI decreased significantly (P<0.05) in almost all treatments. The activities of SOD, CAT and GST were induced continuously (P<0.05), while the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was inhibited on the whole. These changes reflect that the antioxidant systems of the tested fishes were affected. The possible defense mechanistic implications about the changes were thus discussed. Furthermore, hepatic SOD and GST were sensitive to alachlor at low concentration, indicating that they might be potential biomarkers in early detection of alachlor contamination in aquatic ecosystems.     

Bioaccumulation, depuration and biotransformation of 4,4'-dibromodiphenyl ether in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are extensively used as a class of flame retardants and have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Significant biotransformation of some PBDEs via reductive debromination has been observed. However, little is known about the fate of lower brominated BDEs in fish. In this study, the tissue distribution, excretion, depuration and biotransformation of 4,4′-dibromodiphenyl ether (BDE 15) were investigated in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) which were exposed to spiked water solution at different concentrations for 50 d, followed by a 14-d depuration period. Bioaccumulation parameters were calculated and the results showed that BDE 15 was mainly concentrated in the gill and liver. In particular, five biotransformation products of BDE 15 in carp were identified using GC-MS/MS. Besides two debrominated metabolites, three of the metabolites were mono-OH-BDE 15, diOH-BDE 15 and bromophenol. Our results unequivocally suggested that BDE 15 oxidation did occur via the formation of hydroxylated (OH-) metabolites in crucian carp exposed in vivo. These findings will be useful for determination of the metabolic pathways of PBDEs in freshwater fish, especially about their oxidation metabolism.     

Distribution characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) from major rivers in Korea

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in crucian carp were determined at 20 locations along four major river systems, several small-scale rivers and a wetland in Korea. Twenty-eight congeners, ranging from tri- to hepta-CBs were detected. A gas chromatograph with a mass selective detector was used to quantify the individual PCB congeners. The objectives of this study were to investigate the levels of contamination of PCBs in freshwater fish and to observe the pattern of their distribution. The sampling locations were chosen among 31 sampling sites that are currently used as environmental residue checkpoints by the Korean Ministry of Environment. Concentrations of individual congeners ranged from not detectable (n.d.) to 0.75 ng g(-1) on a wet weight basis. The total concentrations of PCBs at each site ranged from n.d. to 5.41 ng g(-1) of wet weight. The most heavily contaminated site was the Nakdong estuary located near the Shinpyung-Janglim factory district. The PCB 153 and 138 were the principal congeners and penta- and hexa-chlorinated biphenyls comprised the main congener groups.     

两种内分泌干扰物对鲫鱼淋巴细胞活性与功能的影响

从鲫鱼的血样中分离淋巴细胞,以内分泌干扰物甲草胺和莠去津染毒,体外培养48 h,采用四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)比色法测定两种除草剂对淋巴细胞生长活性的影响,并进行淋巴细胞的增殖实验,确定植物血凝素(PHA)刺激淋巴细胞增殖的适宜浓度,在此基础上开展两种除草剂对鲫鱼淋巴细胞增殖影响的研究.结果表明,甲草胺和莠去津对鲫鱼淋巴细胞生长活性的影响呈剂量-效应关系,其半数抑制浓度(IC50)分别为(27.7±7.6)、(97.6±26.4)μg/L;PHA的适宜刺激质量浓度是10.0/μg/mL;两种除草剂对鲫鱼淋巴细胞增殖存在影响,当甲草胺质量浓度大于7μg/L、莠去津质量浓度大于50μg/L时,淋巴细胞增殖受到明显抑制,表明其对鲫鱼存在潜在的免疫毒性.     

Changes in plasma thyroid hormones and cortisol levels in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) exposed to the extracted microcystins

The endocrine response of crucian carp injected intraperitoneally with extracted microcystins (MC) was investigated in this study. Fish were injected intraperitoneally either with 0.75% NaCl (control) and Microcystis extract corresponding to 150 and 600 microg microcystins per kg body weight. The plasma levels of triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), free triiodothyronine (FT(3)), free thyroxine (FT(4)), and cortisol were determined at 0, 1, 3, 12, 24, and 48h post-administration of MC-containing extract. Treated fish displayed abnormal behaviors, such as a startle response and disoriented swimming, as well as changes in ventilation rates. Plasma cortisol concentrations of fish in both dose groups significantly increased after administration of extracted MC and remained high throughout the experiment, which suggested that MC elicited a stress response in treated fish. The profiles of cortisol changes in treated fish appeared to be dose dependent, indicating that fish in the high dose group experienced greater MC-induced disturbance. Mortality occurred after 12h in the high dose group. Plasma levels of T(4), T(3), FT(4), and FT(3) did not vary significantly between the control fish. In contrast to this, fish exposed to MC-containing extract showed significant declines in T(3), FT(4), and FT(3) levels in a dose-dependent manner throughout the experiment. Plasma T(4) levels, however, did not vary significantly in the low dose group, whereas they decreased significantly at 48h post injection in the high dose group. This study demonstrates that administration of microcystins-containing extract causes a stress response and reduces the plasma levels of thyroid hormones in crucian carp. These results illustrate that microcystins exerted potent effects on the endocrine system of crucian carp, through activating their hypothalamus-pituitary- interrenal axis and disturbing thyroid function.     

Biological response of high-back crucian carp (Carassius auratus) during different life stages to wastewater treatment plant effluent

This study presents the adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs) on fish health. A study of chronic exposure to WwTPs effluent for 10 months was undertaken in high-back crucian carp (Carassius auratus) during different life stages, covering early-life-stage (ELS), prespawning period, and postspawning period. Condition factor (CF), gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and plasma vitellogenin (VTG) levels were employed as indicators to assess biological effects of effluent on this gynogenesis species. Meanwhile, some high-back crucian carp were caged in Demonstration Base of Biological Purification for Filter-feeding Fish (hereinafter, Demonstration Base), as WwTPs effluent exposure controls. In the meantime, a depuration study was carried out to determine whether or not the estrogenic effects caused by effluent exposure could be reduced after moving fish into EDCs-free water. CF, HSI, GSI, and plasma Vtg levels of high-back crucian carp caged in Demonstration Base were generally in accordance with seasonal change. Effluent exposure inhibited gonadal growth, reducing GSI in ELS while increasing it around spawning, sharpened liver burdens, increasing HSI, and induced abnormal Vtg expression in juvenile high-back crucian carp, augmenting Vtg concentrations in plasma. Around spawning period, Vtg in high-back crucian carp were mainly induced by endogenous estrogens, and EDCs in effluent had less influence on them. Staying in EDCs-free water for 30 days made high-back crucian carp recover from effects of previous effluent exposure, relieving inhibition of gonadal development and hypertrophy of liver as well as reducing Vtg induced by EDCs in effluent. The results revealed that high-back crucian carp in ELS are more sensitive to WwTPs effluent exposure. Additionally, the depuration study showed a clearance of the estrogenic effects caused by effluent.     

Toxicity assessment of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent by an integrated biomarker response in the liver of crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

In this study, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was exposed to the increasing concentrations of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent (MSTPE) for 15 days, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), together with the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the liver of C. auratus were investigated. Moreover, the integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach was applied to assess the adverse effects of MSTPE in freshwater. The aim of the study was to provide an effective biological indicator for evaluating the toxicity effects and ecological risks of MSTPE in the freshwater environment quantitatively. Results showed that MSTPE could cause oxidative damage to the liver of C. auratus, which reflected through the increasing MDA content over the exposure period. MSTPE also led to the biochemical responses of antioxidant defense in C. auratus liver, such as the enhancement of SOD, CAT, and GPx activities, as well as the inhibition of AChE activity and GSH content. It was found that MDA, SOD, GPx, and GSH could be used as the biomarkers for reflecting the adverse effects of MSTPE in the receiving freshwater on the 12th day of exposure. A significant increase of IBR values was observed as the increasing concentration of MSTPE, and the IBR values presented a significant positive correlation (r?=?0.891, P?<?0.05) with the increasing concentrations of MSTPE, indicating that IBR approach is a promising tool for assessing the toxicity effects of MSTPE in environmental freshwater.

     

Nationwide study of dioxins in the freshwater fish Carassius auratus (gibelio) langsdorfii (crucian carp) in Japan: concentrations and estimation of source contribution ratios

We investigated dioxin concentrations in freshwater fish in Japan by standardizing species to detect subtle decreasing trends of dioxin concentrations in the future with the reinforcement of regulations. The fish studied were crucian carp (Carassius auratus (gibelio) langsdorfii), an omnivorous species. Fish and sediments were collected from 14 rivers and lakes located in remote areas, agricultural areas, and small and large cities throughout Japan. The total toxic equivalent (TEQ) dioxin concentrations at the three remote sites were about 20% of the concentrations at the other 11 sites, which all had similar concentrations. The average concentrations in fish collected from these 11 sites were 0.69pgTEQg(-1) wet wt. (95% CI 0.52-0.85) or 57.3pgTEQg(-1) fat (95% CI 47.9-66.7). There were notable differences in congener profiles of polychlorinated p-dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) between sampling areas. A chemical mass balance method was used to estimate the proportions of dioxin contributions from different sources. The sampling areas were classified into four groups on the basis of the predominant source of dioxin contamination: a combustion group, a chlornitrofen herbicide group, a chlornitrofen and pentachlorphenol herbicide group, and a remote group. The congener profiles of dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) were almost the same in all areas and close to those in Kanechlor, which indicates that pollution from PCB products has spread throughout Japan. From samples collected during the spawning season, it was determined that about 20% of the dioxins in adult females were transferred to the eggs, resulting in higher dioxin concentrations in adult males than in females. Biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) of 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs for crucian carp were larger than those of non-2,3,7,8-substituted congeners, and BASFs decreased with increasing number of chlorines. The BSAFs of DL-PCBs were 10 times greater than those of PCDDs/DFs, and BSAFs of mono-ortho type DL-PCBs were higher than those of non-ortho types.     

2,3,7,8-四氯代二苯并噻吩在锦鲫不同组织中的生物富集及对肝脏的氧化损伤

研究了含硫"类二噁英"化合物多氯代二苯并噻吩(PCDTs)中的2,3,7,8-四氯代二苯并噻吩(2,3,7,8-TCDT)在锦鲫(Carassius auratus)不同组织中的生物富集规律和对肝脏的氧化损伤.结果表明,2,3,7,8-TCDT在锦鲫各组织中的富集能力表现为肝脏>鳃>肌肉.2,3,7,8-TCDT在锦鲫...     

Effects of honey HMF on enzyme activities and serum biochemical parameters of Wistar rats

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a by-product of thermal degradation of glucose and fructose. In this study, the effects of high HMF content of honey on biochemical parameters of rats were investigated. Experiments were conducted with 40 Wistar albino male rats, each weighing 250–350 g and covered a period of 5 weeks. The animals were divided into five groups. The first group was served as control group. HMF was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 200 mg/kg rat b.w. to the animals in group 2. Group 3 was fed with honey that contains 10 mg HMF/kg honey. In group 4 and 5, there were honeys that contain significantly high HMF content due to long storage period (181 mg HMF/kg honey) and heat process (140 mg HMF/kg honey). At the end of the feeding process, biochemical blood parameters of rats were investigated. It was observed that there were no differences among the glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, Na, GGT, and ALP parameters of the groups. On the other hand, significant differences were observed among the cholesterol, LDL, BUN, creatinine, Ca, P, Mg, K, Cl, total bilirubin, LDH, CPK, AST, ALT, total protein, and pseudocholinesterase values of the rats. The highest adverse effects were obtained from group HMF, and it was followed by groups SH (stored honey) and HH (heated honey). It can be concluded that high HMF content of honey may affect the human health adversely; thus, HMF in honey must be controlled by beekeepers.     

Cobalt-induced oxidative stress in brain, liver and kidney of goldfish Carassius auratus

Cobalt is an essential element, but at high concentrations it is toxic. In addition to its well-known function as an integral part of cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂), cobalt has recently been shown to be a mimetic of hypoxia and a stimulator of the production of reactive oxygen species. The present study investigated the responses of goldfish, Carassius auratus, to 96 h exposure to 50, 100 or 150 mg L⁻¹ Co²⁺ in aquarium water (administered as CoCl₂). The concentrations of cobalt in aquaria did not change during fish exposure. Exposure to cobalt resulted in increased levels of lipid peroxides in brain (a 111% increase after exposure to 150 mg L⁻¹ Co²⁺) and liver (30-66% increases after exposure to 50-150 mg L⁻¹ Co²⁺), whereas the content of protein carbonyls rose only in kidney (by 112%) after exposure to 150 mg L⁻¹ cobalt. Low molecular mass thiols were depleted by 24-41% in brain in response to cobalt treatment. The activities of primary antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, were substantially suppressed in brain and liver as a result of Co²⁺ exposure, whereas in kidney catalase activity was unchanged and SOD activity increased. The activities of glutathione-related enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, did not change as a result of cobalt exposure, but glutathione reductase activity increased by ∼40% and ∼70% in brain and kidney, respectively. Taken together, these data show that exposure of fish to Co²⁺ ions results in the development of oxidative stress and the activation of defense systems in different goldfish tissues.     

Toxic effects of chlorpromazine on Carassius auratus and its oxidative stress

Under laboratory conditions, ecotoxicological effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on freshwater goldfish (Carassius auratus) were examined using the toxic culture experiment. The results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of CPZ toxic to Carassius auratus in 24, 48 and 96 h was 1.11, 0.43 and 0.32 mg/L, respectively. Thus, CPZ is an extreme toxicant to goldfish. Furthermore, there were significantly positive correlations between the ecotoxicological effects of CPZ and its concentrations, and the toxicity became higher as the exposure time increased. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in goldfish livers was significantly influenced by CPZ. At the same exposure time, the activity of SOD reduced first, and increased then, whereas the activity of CAT enhanced first and decreased then. At the same exposure levels of CPZ, the activity of SOD and CAT changed similarly, decreased first, then increased and decreased at last. Within the range of exposure concentrations, the changes in the activity of CAT can more easily reflect the oxidation stress in Carassius auratus by CPZ than those of SOD.     

Bioaccumulation, depuration and oxidative stress in fish Carassius auratus under phenanthrene exposure

In this study, laboratory experiment was carried out to determine phenanthrene bioaccumulation, depuration in whole fish and oxidative stress in the liver of freshwater fish Carassius auratus. Fish were exposed to 0.05 mg/l phenanthrene for different periods, while one control group was designated for each exposure group. Some fish after 7 days of exposure were transferred to diluted water. The concentrations of phenanthrene in fish were analyzed by HPLC. Twenty-four hours after the exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were trapped by phenyl-tert-butylnitrone and detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were also determined. The concentrations of phenanthrene in fish increased rapidly shortly after the start of the exposure, reached a maximum level at the 2 days, and then it declined quickly to low-level-steady state. The elimination process of phenanthrene could be divided into two periods-a fast elimination period following a slower loss period. The elimination curve could be fitted mathematically as the sum of two exponential functions according to two-compartment model: C(t)=2.72e(-1.065t) + 0.68e(-0.0364t). The PBN-radical adducts were detected in fish liver samples following the exposure 24h. The hyperfine splitting constants for the PBN-radical adducts were aN = 13.5 G, aH = 1.77 G and g value was 2.0058, which were consistent with those of PBN/()OH. The results indicated that the hydroxyl radical was probably significantly induced during the exposure of phenanthrene, as compared to the control group. The changes of activities of the antioxidant enzymes also were observed. In addition, after fish were removed from phenanthrene exposure, the recovery status of these antioxidant indices was explored. These results clearly indicated phenanthrene could be accumulated in fish and similar redox cyclings were produced, resulting in the changes of the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and the production of ROS with the oxidative stress.     

Toxic effects of chlorpromazine on Carassius auratus and its oxidative stress

Under laboratory conditions, ecotoxicological effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on freshwater goldfish (Carassius auratus) were examined using the toxic culture experiment. The results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC(50)) of CPZ toxic to Carassius auratus in 24, 48 and 96 h was 1.11, 0.43 and 0.32 mg/L, respectively. Thus, CPZ is an extreme toxicant to goldfish. Furthermore, there were significantly positive correlations between the ecotoxicological effects of CPZ and its concentrations, and the toxicity became higher as the exposure time increased. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in goldfish livers was significantly influenced by CPZ. At the same exposure time, the activity of SOD reduced first, and increased then, whereas the activity of CAT enhanced first and decreased then. At the same exposure levels of CPZ, the activity of SOD and CAT changed similarly, decreased first, then increased and decreased at last. Within the range of exposure concentrations, the changes in the activity of CAT can more easily reflect the oxidation stress in Carassius auratus by CPZ than those of SOD.     

Effects of chronic exposure of 2,4-dichlorophenol on the antioxidant system in liver of freshwater fish Carassius auratus

There were few reports on the antioxidant response of aquatic organisms exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). This research explored the hepatic antioxidant responses of fish to long-term exposure of 2,4-DCP for the first time. Freshwater fish Carassius auratus were chosen as experimental animals. The fish were exposed to six different concentrations of 2,4-DCP (0.005-1.0 mg/l) for 40 days and then liver tissues were separated for determination. As shown from the results, 40 days afterwards, the activities of catalase (CAT) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) and the content of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were induced significantly on the whole compared to control group; superoxide dismutase (SOD) responded to 2,4-DCP exposure at only 0.005 mg/l; the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was suppressed continuously except Group 7; the activity of glutathione reductase was inhibited initially and then restored to control level from Group 4 on; glutathione S-transferase had only slight responses in Groups 3 and 4. Total glutathione (tGSH) and GSH/GSSG ratio were also calculated to analyze the occurrence of oxidative stress. Besides, good dose-effect relations, which cover most of the exposure concentration range, were found between 2,4-DCP level and CAT activity, GSSG content, Se-GPx activity, respectively. In conclusion, SOD and Se-GPx may be potential early biomarkers of 2,4-DCP contamination in aquatic ecosystems, and further studies will be necessary.     

四溴双酚A对土壤酶活性的影响

采用室内模拟试验方法,研究了四溴双酚A对土壤多酚氧化酶、过氧化氢酶和脱氢酶活性的影响.结果表明,四溴双酚A对土壤多酚氧化酶和过氧化氢酶有一定的激活效应,这可能是土壤微生物在受到外源四溴双酚A胁迫时产生了应激反应,通过增加多酚氧化酶和过氧化氢酶的产生量来降低四溴双酚A及其代谢、中间产物对其产生的危害;同时,四溴双酚A对土壤脱氢酶产生一定的抑制效应,表明其对土壤微生物活性具有一定的抑制作用,但在试验设置的四溴双酚A浓度范围内基本未达到显著水平(P>0.05).     

Uptake and accumulation of mercury from dental amalgam in the common goldfish,Carassius auratus

In this study, the bioavailability and accumulation of mercury from external environmental exposure to mixed, cured, milled, sieved and proportioned dental amalgam was examined in the common goldfish, Carassius auratus. Fish were exposed to dental amalgam (particle size range from < 0.10 to 3.15 mm) in order to represent the particle size and distribution of that found within the typical dental office wastewater discharge stream. Experimental amalgam water loadings were 0 g/l, 0.5 g/l and 1 g/l in glass aquaria at 15 degrees C for 28 days. Fish tissues were sampled at 5 min and 28 days of exposure, and the liver, brain, muscle and whole body analyzed for total mercury using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. Mercury was found in several tissues examined and generally increased with exposure to higher amounts of dental amalgam. The highest levels were found in the whole body (17.68 +/- 5.73 microg/g) followed by the liver (0.80 +/- 0.16 microg/g) and muscle (0.47 +/- 0.16 microg/g). The lowest concentrations were seen in the brain (0.28 +/- 0.19 microg/g). Compared to controls, concentrations in the whole body, muscle and liver in fish exposed for 28 days to the highest concentration of amalgam were 200-, 233-, and 40-fold higher, respectively. This study shows that mercury from an environmental exposure to representative samples of dental amalgam typically found within the dental wastewater discharge stream is bioavailable to fish and may accumulate in internal tissues.     

Effects of butachlor on microbial populations and enzyme activities in paddy soil

This paper reports the influences of the herbicide butachlor (n-butoxymethlchloro -2', 6'-diethylacetnilide) on microbial populations, respiration, nitrogen fixation and nitrification, and on the activities of dehydrogenase and hydrogen peroxidase in paddy soil. The results showed that the number of actinomycetes declined significantly after the application of butachlor at different concentrations ranging from 5.5 microg g(-1) to 22.0 microg g(-1) dried soil, while that of bacteria and fungi increased. Fungi were easily affected by butachlor compared to the bacteria. The growth of fungi was retarded by butachlor at higher concentrations. Butachlor however, stimulated the growth of anaerobic hydrolytic fermentative bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and denitrifying bacteria. The increased concentration of butachlor applied resulted in the higher number of SRB. Butachlor inhibited the growth of hydrogen-producing acetogenic bacteria. The effect of butachlor varied on methane-producing bacteria (MPB) at different concentrations. Butachlor at the concentration of 1.0 microg g(-1) dried soil or less than this concentration accelerated the growth of MPB, while at 22.0 microg g(-1) dried soil showed an inhibition. Butachlor enhanced the activity of dehydrogenase at increasing concentrations. The soil dehydrogenase showed the highest activity on the 16th day after application of 22.0 microg g(-1) dried soil of butachlor. The hydrogen peroxidase could be stimulated by butachlor. The soil respiration was depressed during the period from several days to more than 20 days, depending on concentrations of butachlor applied. Both the nitrogen fixation and nitrification were stimulated in the beginning but reduced greatly afterwards in paddy soil.     

Effects of deltamethrin on hepatic microsomal cytochrome p450‐dependent monooxygenases in carp

Abstract The in vivo effects of sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin (DM), a pyrethroid insecticide, on the hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (Cyt P450) content and the Cyt P450‐dependent monooxygenase activities (para‐nitrophenetole‐O‐deethylase, pNPOD; aminopyrene‐N‐demethylase, APND; ethylmorphine‐N‐demethylase, EMND; 7‐ethoxycoumarin‐O‐deethylase, ECOD; and ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase, EROD) were examined in adult carp (Cyprinus carpió L.).

0.2 μg/1 DM treatment resulted in significant increases in APND, EMND and ECOD activities, whereas 2 μg/1 DM resulted in significant inhibitions of all studied isoenzyme activities with the exceptions of pNPOD and APND after 72 h. EROD was the only enzyme for which a slight increase in activity was observed. On repeated treatment, Cyt P450 could not be detected after 48 h, but the Cyt P420 level increased. All tested isoenzyme activities were inhibited, with the exception ofthat of EROD, which was enhanced.

All these changes in enzyme activities and Cyt P450 content demonstrate the effects of DM on fish. DM treatment at low concentration is presumed to cause induction of the Cyt P450‐dependent monooxygenases which may lead to faster metabolization of the insecticide. In contrast, DM at higher concentration strongly inhibited the activities of the studied enzymes. This finding may be due to the damaging effect of DM on the xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme systems offish.     

Effects of sulfur dioxide on growth, photosynthesis and enzyme activities of Chinese Guger-Tree seedlings

The Chinese Guger-Tree (Schima superba Gard et Champ var. superba) is an important harwood species in Taiwan where the ambient SO(2) concentration in some areas is high. Seedlings were raised in field chambers with and without SO(2) to determine whether this species is affected by this pollutant. After 4 weeks of exposure to 325 ppb of SO(2), the photosynthetic rate of seedlings decreased immediately. During the fumigation period, stem height growth was not inhibited, however, the stem diameter growth was reduced significantly. The dry weight of leaves was unchanged, while stem, root and total seedling weight were lower than those of control plants. Sulfhydryl groups in leaves increased by 75%, whereas they did not change in roots following SO(2) uptake. Superoxide dismutase in leaves did not change, however, peroxidase activity increased significantly. Results suggest that ambient SO(2) in some areas in Taiwan may affect the physiology and growth of the Chinese Guger-Tree.