Ronald E. McNair Program
Sonja Grisle |
SCHOOL: The University of Mississippi
MAJOR: Biology MENTOR: Dr. Daniel Schlenk ORGANIZATIONS:
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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.