Influence of BBP exposure on nervous system and antioxidant system in zebrafish.

In order to observe the toxic effects of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on zebrafish, the AChE and SOD activity of zebrafish exposed to different concentrations of BBP (0, 0.332, 0.665, 1.33 mg L(-1)) in a short-term (7d) test were determined. Semi-quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA transcript levels of the AChE and SOD gene in zebrafish brain and muscle. The results showed: AChE activity decreased with increased exposure concentration, and was significantly inhibited (p < 0.01) compared with the control group at 0.665 mg L(-1) concentration. Low BBP concentrations stimulated and high concentrations inhibited SOD activity with a concentration of 0.332 mg L(-1) resulting in a significant induction (p < 0.05) compared with the control, and 0.665 and 1.33 mg L(-1) concentrations resulting in significant inhibition (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) relative to the control group. The RT-PCR data showed a decrease in brain and muscle mRNA transcription of AChE gene with an increase in exposure concentration. The mRNA transcription of SOD in the brain was not different between the exposed groups and control group; in muscle, the mRNA transcription inhibition decreased and then increased: all differences from the control were statistically significant.