Measurement of AChE Activity in The Brain of Sea, Well and River-Fed Cyprinus Caprpio as a Health Index

Organophosphorous (OP) compounds are used extensively as pesticides, insecticides and herbicides in agricultural areas such as Mazandaran. These agents have untoward effects on the environment and human health. Chemical sewage and waste water work similarly. The goal of this study was to determine the activity of AChE in fishes that had been normally exposed to pesticides or other toxins. Samples (Cyprinus caprpio, n=8) were obtained from three different regions (caspian sea, well and river-fed fishes) during Nov & Dec 2003 from Sari. using colorimetric Ellman procedure, AChE analyses were performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Newman–Kelus by SPSS. Enzyme activity was calculated as μM ASCh / hydrolized/ min/g. By measuring absorption, enzyme activity was calculated as 5.54, 1.63 and 0.44 μM ASCh/ hydrolized/ min/g. The mean AChE activity was significantly different in three groups (p< 0.001). In River fish exposure to OP compounds, heavy metals and other toxins was more than those of well and sea fed fishes. Accumulation of heavy metals in wells, is a mechanism proposed for reduction of AChE activity in well-fed fishes.