Effects of Chlorpyrifos on Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in Channa Punctatus: A Biochemical Marker of Pesticide-Induced Stress

Author(s): Dr. M Sunanda

Abstract:

The present study investigates the biochemical effects of chlorpyrifos-a widely used organophosphate pesticide-on the activity of the key metabolic enzyme Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in various tissues of the freshwater fish Channa punctatus. The experiment involved exposure of fish to both sub-lethal and lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos in two formulations: technical grade and commercial 20% EC. LDH activity was estimated in muscle, liver, kidney, gill, and brain tissues after 24 hours of exposure. The findings demonstrated a statistically significant increase in LDH activity across all tissues compared to controls, with the liver showing the highest elevation followed by brain and muscle. This enzymatic upregulation suggests a physiological shift towards anaerobic metabolism, potentially as an adaptive response to pesticide-induced hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction. Increased LDH activity also indicates cellular damage and compromised membrane integrity, leading to enzyme leakage into the cytoplasm. These responses are consistent with previous reports and highlight the toxic potential of chlorpyrifos on aquatic fauna. Given its rapid response, tissue specificity, and sensitivity to chemical stress, LDH proves to be an effective biomarker for assessing pesticide-induced metabolic disturbances in fish. The study contributes valuable data for environmental monitoring and supports the need for stricter regulations on the use of organophosphate pesticides to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

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