A study of the effects of some pesticides on biochemical systems of brain and liver of rat and Mediterranean fish

Abstract

This thesis is mainly concerned with the effects of two classes of pesticide on biochemical systems of grey mullet, Mugil cephalus. The effects were also considered in relation to higher vertebrate and the rat was selected for study. The state of the current problem of the pollution in the Mediterranean is discussed in Chapter 1. Also reviewed in this chapter is the chemistry of the pesticides investigated, dimethoate, aldrin and NRDC 143, and a review of the effects of the pesticides on marine animals is also given. Briefly outlined are the biochemical systems investigated. Chapters 2 and 5 are experimental. The effects of the pesticides were investigated on rat and mullet brain and liver succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase, Apace and lipid peroxidation. In addition the effects of pesticides on soluble and insoluble (membrane-bound) acetylcholinesterases from the brain of the grey mullet mugil cephalus, dolphin-fish coryphaena hippurus, pilot fish Naucrates ductor, bogue Boops boops, white bream Diplogus sargus and red mullet Dullus barbatus were also investigated.