S. Bretaud et al., Effects of carbofuran on brain acetylcholinesterase activity and swimming activity in Carassius auratus (Cyprinidae)., CYBIUM, 25(1), 2001, pp. 33-40
Effects of exposure to carbofuran, a carbamate insecticide, on brain acetyl
cholinesterase (AChE) activity and swimming activity were studied in juveni
le goldfish, Carassius auratus. The measures were performed in response to
short-term exposures (2, 4, 6, and 8 h) at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100
mug/l. Carbofuran induced a significant inhibition in brain AChE activity
from 2-h exposure at 50 mug/l (19.6%) and at 100 mug/l (46%). At these conc
entrations, inhibition was present in response to all periods of exposure,
On the other hand, the lowest concentration of carbofuran (25 mug/l) induce
d a significant inhibition (21%) only after 6 h and 8 h-exposure. Noticeabl
e changes in swimming activity of goldfish were also produced by exposure t
o carbofuran. Increase in locomotor activity was observed after 4-h exposur
e to 25 mug/l. Contrastingly, a decrease in locomotor activity resulted fro
m exposure to the highest concentrations of carbofuran (after 6 and 8 h to
50 mug/l and after 2, 4 and 6 h to 100 mug/l).