Ronald E. McNair Program



Sonja Grisle
   SCHOOL:  The University of Mississippi
   MAJOR:  Biology
   MENTOR:  Dr. Daniel Schlenk
   ORGANIZATIONS:
  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
  • Xi Zeta Chapter
  • Ronald McNair Program
  • NAACP
  • Oxford Literacy Program
  • NPHC
  • FSC Community Leader
  • BSU
  • RHA

 

ABSTRACT

The Effect of High Salinity on the Toxicity of Aldicarb on
Japanese Medaka, (Oryzias latipes)

The purpose of this research is to explain the potential mechanism(s) by which high salinity concentrations increase the toxicity of aldicarb on adult females Japanese Medaka and Medaka hatchlings.  Japanese Medaka are small, euryhaline (salinity tolerant) fish.  Aldicarb, 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde-O-(methylcarbamoyl)oxime, is a carbamate pesticide used to kill nematodes and insects on crops.  Aldicarb causes the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase 9AchE), which leads to the accumulation to acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.  This leads to cholinergic overload.  As a result of over stimulation, there are convulsions and eventually death.  The relationship between salinity, aldicarb toxicity, and flavin monooxygenase (FMO) in Japanese Medaka will be examined.  To evaluate the causes of the effects on toxicity, I will also examine aldicarb uptake, biotransformation, and its effect on acetylcholinesterase.  This research is currently in its early stages.  Once complete, I hope to discover the relationship between salinity, aldicarb toxicity, and cholinesterase  on the adult and young Japanese Medaka.