The effect of a Hungarian made and applied insecticide, organophosphat
e (Dichlorvos) on antioxidant enzymes and other oxidative and redox pa
rameters of true different fish species, carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and
catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) was studied. The two fish species have
different ways of life. From antioxidant enzymes, changes in superoxid
e dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and, in the case of carp
, acetylcholinesterase activities were studied in tissue homogenates.
Other parameters studied: changes of lipid peroxidation, reduced gluta
thion and two radicals, which are superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Ou
r results showed that the organophosphate tested, besides its inhibito
ry effect on acetylcholinesterase - or together with it - induces chan
ges characteristic of ''oxidative stress''.