Commercial formulation containing quinclorac and metsulfuron-methyl herbicides inhibit acetylcholinesterase and induce biochemical alterations in tissues of Leporinus obtusidens

The effects of commercial formulation containing quinclorac and metsulfuron-methyl herbicides on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant profile and metabolic parameters in teleost fish (Leporinus obtusidens) were studied. The fish were exposed during 90 days to commercial formulation containing quinclorac (204 mu g L-1) and metsulfuron-methyl (5.8 mu g L-1) herbicides in rice field irrigated condition. AChE activity in the brain and muscle decreased after exposure to both commercial formulations. The same response was observed for the TBARS levels in brain, liver and muscle. Liver catalase activity reduced after exposure to commercial formulation containing quinclorac and metsulfuron-methyl herbicides. Metabolic parameters in the liver and white muscle (glycogen, lactate, protein and glucose) were determined. These parameters showed different changes after exposure to both commercial formulations. This study pointed out long-term effects of exposure to commercial formulations containing herbicides used in rice on metabolic and enzymatic parameters in tissues of L. obtusidens. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.