The effects of lindane poisoning on N-acetyldopamine and N-acetyl 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations in the brain of Locusta migratoria L.

High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to measure N-acetyldopamine and N-acetyl 5-hydroxytryptamine in the cerebral ganglia of the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria (fifth instar) exposed to lindane, a chlorinated insecticide. Locusts were poisoned by this insecticide in order to assess the effects of this neuroactive compound on these acetylated metabolites levels. Relatively low concentrations of N-acetyldopamine were observed in the cerebral ganglia. Incubation of ganglia resulted in increased concentrations of N-acetyldopamine and N-acetyl 5-hydroxytryptamine. Lindane significantly reduces N-acetyldopamine and N-acetyl 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the cerebral ganglia. These results can be correlated with a decrease in N-acetyltransferase activity.