Effects of carbofuran on brain acetylcholinesterase activity and swimming activity in Carassius auratus (Cyprinidae).

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).