Search

In this study, we determined normal serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities in Tupinambis merianae in order to obtain reference values for organophosphorus pesticide monitoring. Forty-two T. merianae individuals were grouped by sex and size to identify potential differences in their enzyme levels to allow for proper representation of normal values for females, males, juveniles, and hatchlings. Mean CbE was determined using two model substrates: alpha-naphtylacetate (α-NA) and p-nitrophenyl valerate (4-NPV). BChE and CbE sensitivity to malaoxon (Mx) was also evaluated as well as the possibility of BChE reactivation with pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM). Mean adult females’ BChE was significantly higher than adult males, juveniles, and hatchlings. No significant differences were found between groups regarding CbE. CbE (4-NPV) activity showed slightly negative correlation with lizard snout–vent length, while BChE and CbE (α-NA) showed no correlation with body size. Apparent IC50 values for BChE and CbE (α-NA) suggested different sensitivities among groups. CbE (4-NPV) could not be inhibited. All Mx-inhibited groups treated with 2-PAM in a final concentration of 2.8 mM showed clear signs of reactivation. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that (1) plasma esterase activity did not vary with age and sex, except for BChE activity, and (2) because biological and environmental variables could be confounding factors in the response of plasma cholinesterases, complementary biomarkers like CbE inhibition and oxime-induced reactivation of esterases are strongly recommended.

We determined the normal levels of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carboxylesterase (CbE), and glutathione S-transferases (GST) activities in three South American toad species in order to establish reference values for field pesticide monitoring purposes. Interspecies variations in B-esterase and GST activities were examined according to body mass. In addition, comparative inhibition of BChE and CbE activities using malaoxon, and chemical reactivation of malaoxon-inhibited BChE activity using pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM) were investigated. Bufo fernandezae had average activity values for BChE: 17.31 mmol min−1 ml−1; CbE: 621.49 nmol min−1 ml−1 and GST: 1.94 mmol min−1 ml−1 while B. arenarum enzymatic average activities were BChE: 9.51 mmol min−1 ml−1; CbE: 270.07 nmol min−1 ml−1, and GST: 1.59 mmol min−1 ml−1; finally Bufo schneideri had enzymatic mean values of BChE: 2.08 mmol min−1 ml−1; CbE: 301.95 nmol min−1 ml−1, and GST: 1.60 mmol min−1 ml−1. Moreover, we found an allometric relationship ...

The microbial ecology and potential for biodegradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o- and m-xylene (BTEX) in core materials contaminated with unleaded gasoline were investigated. The site studied was unique because a portion of the contaminated area was biostimulated in a demonstration of the use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxygen source in in situ biorestoration. Two years after termination of the field demonstration, core samples were collected from uncontaminated, contaminated, and biostimulated areas at the site and analyzed for inorganic nutrients, microbial numbers, mineralization potential of glucose, benzene, and toluene using liquid scintillation counting, and biotransformation of BTEX using gas chromatography. The results indicated that the subsurface microflora at the site was active and capable of degrading a variety of compounds. Microbial numbers and contaminant biodegradation potential in samples from the biostimulated area were greater than in uncontaminated and contaminated zones. Toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene were removed in all core materials, whereas o-xylene was recalcitrant. Mineralization experiments indicated that toluene was mineralized to a greater extent than benzene. These data indicated that the biodegradation potential of the subsurface material from the biostimulated zone, which still contained residual hydrocarbon, remained enhanced for at least 2 yr after the in situ biorestoration process had been terminated.

B-esterase (BChE: butyrylcholinesterase and CbE: carboxylesterase) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were measured in the plasma of Chaunus schneideri collected in rice fields and surrounding environments and in a reference pristine forest. The chemical criterion based on in-vitro reactivation of BChE activity using pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM) was also determined. Mean values of plasma BchE, CbE, and GST activity for samples from agricultural areas were different from those for samples from pristine forest. Plasma samples from the two agricultural areas showed positive reactivation of BChE activity after incubation with 2-PAM. Based on our experimental evidence we suggest B-esterases and gluthatione S-transferases can be used in field monitoring as biomarkers of exposure of wildlife to pesticides, because the analysis in non-destructive and is sensitive to anti-ChE agrochemicals. Chemical reactivation of BChE is also a complementary method for assessing the effects of pesticides on toads inhabiting rice fields. Further studies are urgently needed to investigate adverse effects of massive exposure to pesticides experienced by native populations of anurans. Fil: Attademo, Andres Maximiliano. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Peltzer, Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina Fil: Lajmanovich, Rafael Carlos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina Fil: Cabagna Zenklusen, Mariana Cristina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina Fil: Fiorenza Biancucci, Gabriela. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina