Changes in Metabolic Enzymes Activities in Selected Organs and Tissue of Clarias Gariepinus Exposed to Cypermethrin

Abstract

1Gabriel, U.U., 2*Akinrotimi, O.A and 3Ariweriokuma, V.S. Abstract: The effects of sublethal levels of cypermethrin (0.00 - control, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.25ml-1) on metabolic enzymes (Aspartate transaminase, AST; Alanine transminase, ALT; Akaline phosphatase, ALP and Lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) in the organs (gill, kidney, liver) and tissue (muscles plasma) of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (mean length 29.47cm±1.88SD; mean weight 276.44g±81.91SD) were evaluated after 10 days exposure in a renewal bioassay under laboratory conditions. The enzyme activities in all the organs were inhibited by different levels of cypermethrin concentrations, with ALP activity being mostly affected. The highest enzyme activity ALP (601.17±80.4IulL) was observed in the kidney, while the lowest ALP (16.12±5.75IUlL) in the gill. The activities of the enzymes in all the organs did show a concentration dependent activities which decreased significantly (P<0.005) with the increasing concentration of cypermethrin. The alterations in the activities of these enzymes indicated that the insecticide interfered with the transaminations and metabolic process and these could affect the physiological functions of the fish in an aquatic environment.