Effect of Malathion on Catalase Enzyme and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Adult Flies and 3rd Instar Larvae of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Farmers widely use insecticides and pesticides, in agriculture, which main ingredient is organophosphate, like, malathion. For prolong exposure of this organophosphate may affect neuronal behaviour and metabolic mechanism of non-target organisms. To study of these impacts, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of Malathion on catalase enzyme and Acetylcholinesterase activity in adult flies and 3rd instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster using appropriate standard methods. The study results have showed that both the activity level of Acetylcholinesterase and Catalase enzymes has been significantly dropped down in adults and 3^rd instar larvae of Drosophila. Decrease level of Acetylcholinesterase indicates over accumulation of Acetylcholine neuro-transmitter, which can lead to hamper in their locomotion, behaviour, vision and other neuronal functions. Reducing level of Catalase indicates ROS generation, mainly H₂O₂ that can damage any metabolic activity. Thereby, we can suggest to control the usage of malathion organophosphate in agriculture purpose.