Effects of sublethal concentrations of phosphamidon, methyl parathion, DDT, and lindane on tissue nitrogen metabolism in the penaeid prawn, Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius).

Changes in midgut gland, muscle, and gill tissue nitrogen metabolic profiles studied in a penaeid prawn, Metapenaeus monoceros, following its exposure to sublethal concentrations of phosphamidon, methyl parathion, DDT, and lindane. In all the pesticide-exposed prawn tissues, ammonia levels were significantly increased and a shift in the nitrogen metabolism toward the synthesis of urea and glutamine was observed. Inhibition of glutamate oxidation to ammonia and alpha-ketoglutarate by glutamate dehydrogenase suggest a mechanism whereby hyperammonemia is reduced by minimizing the addition of further ammonia to the existing elevated ammonia. Aspartate (AAT) and alanine (AlAT) aminotransferases demonstrated an increase in their activity levels, suggesting gluconeogenesis. Pesticide-induced stress also seems to induce ammoniagenesis, which is due to increased deamination of purines. Mechanisms to detoxify the ammonia by enhancing the synthesis of urea and glutamine were observed in the tissues.