Induction of branchial enzymes in snake head (Channa striatus) by oxydemeton-methyl

The effects of acute and chronic exposures to a sublethal concentration (1.7 mg/liter) of oxydemeton-methyl (Metasystox) on the activities of branchial enzymes Na, K-ATPase, Mg-ATPase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were determined. While chronic and acute treatments inhibited Na, K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase concentrations, an insignificant rise in the activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases was noticed in the acute treatment. However, both chronic exposures decreased the activities of these phosphatases. A progressive accumulation of AAT and AlAT, with a maximum occurring after 30 days, was recorded. The significance of the results are discussed.