Background:

Chirostoma populations have diminished because of loss of their habitat, introduction of exotic species and pollution. Chirostoma humboldtianum (Valenciennes, 1835) was recorded in Mexico basin, for last time in 1957. Carbofuran is a carbamic inseticide, broad spectrum systemic; its use is prohibited in many countries. However, in Mexico, it is widely used and its effects has not been evaluated in endemic fish.

Goals:

Evaluate acute effect of Carbofuran® in juveniles of Chirostoma humboldtianum (Valenciennes, 1835) through neurotoxicity biomarkersf and oxidative stress on brain, liver, gills and muscles.

Methods:

Effect Carbofuran (0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg/L) was evaluated in a static essay during 96 h without renewal water on seven-months old juveniles. Fish were obtained by in vitro fertilization, from breeders in captivity, morphologically and genetically certified.

Results:

CL50 was 0.077 mg/L at 96 h (0.028 - 0.118 mg/L -1, α = 0.05). Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) is inhibited in gills and liver. Lipoperoxidation level (LPO) was significantly higher in gills than liver and muscles (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes present a similar pattern in gills and liver.

Conclusions:

carbofuran causes neurotoxic and oxidative damage even at lower concentrations than those reported in other fish species.