Effect of parathion and aldrin on survival, ovarian 32P-uptake and gonadotrophic potency in a freshwater catfish, heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

The effects of insecticides containing either an organophosphate parathion (Paramar M 50) or an organochlorine aldrin (Aldrin) on the survival, ovarian 32P-uptake and the gonadotrophic potency of the pituitary gland and blood serum in Heteropneustes fossilis were studied for 4 weeks. Aldrin was found to be more Paramar M 50. Reduced ovarian 32P uptake and a significantly decreased level of total gonadotrophin in the pituitary gland and blood serum were seen when fish were kept either in SC (safe concentration) or in LC(I)50 (a concentration that had been found to kill half the fish in 96 h) of Aldrin and Paramar M 50. The data suggest that those insecticides retarded gonadotrophin secretion which in turn reduced ovarian 32P uptake.