Evaluation of apoptosis, oxidative stress responses, AChE activity and body malformations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to deltamethrin.

In this study, we observed the zebrafish embryo/larvae (Danio rerio) exposed to Deltamethrin (DM) used as pesticide in agricultural fields. We determined respectively, changes in body morphology, cell apoptosis, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPx) activities, MDA and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels after 96h of DM exposure. The embryos were exposed to 2.5 μg/l - 10 μg/l - 25 μg/l - 50 μg/l of DM concentration for 96 h. Survival and hatching rates, and body malformations were determined under a stereo microscope for in 24, 48, 72 and 96th hours. DM caused the cellular apoptosis and an increase in MDA levels while inhibiting SOD, CAT, GPx enzyme activities and AChE level (P < 0.05). In addition, pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, spinal cord curvature and body malformations were determined in the embryo by depending on the dose of pesticide. As conclusion it can be concluded that DM inhibits the antioxidant enzyme mechanism, increases the cellular apoptosis, malformations. This study may provide enable us for understanding toxic mechanisms of DM in zebrafish embryos.