Organophosphate dichlorvos induced dose-related differential alterations in lipid levels and lipid peroxidation in various regions of the fish brain and spinal cord.

The effect of dichlorvos (DDVP) (0-0, dimethyl 2:2-dichlorovinyl phosphate), on various lipid fractions and lipid peroxidation in the discrete areas of the brain and spinal cord were studied in the fresh water teleost (Heteropneustes fossilis). Fishes were exposed to three different doses (3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 ppm) of DDVP daily for 7 days. Dose-related increase in the levels of total lipids, cholesterol and esterified fatty acids was detected in the fore brain, optic lobes, cerebellum, medulla oblongata and spinal cord. However, phospholipids were significantly decreased in the aforementioned regions of the central nervous system. The rate of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in all the regions of the CNS.