Tissue specific alteration of aminotransferases and total ATPases in the fish (Tilapia mossambica) under methyl parathion impact.

The activity levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), alanine aminotransferase (AlAT) and total adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were studied in muscle, gill, liver and brain tissues of control and methyl parathion exposed (MPE) fish. Both aminotransferases were elevated in all the tissues inferring the diversion of alpha-amino acids into the TCA cycle as keto acids to augment energy production during methyl parathion (MP) stress. In gill, liver and brain tissues, there seemed to be a shift in the aminotransferase reactions under MP impact. The total ATPase activity was decreased in all tissues, suggesting inhibition of active transport and oxidative phosphorylation.