Neurotoxicity of dichlorvos: effect on antioxidant defense system in the rat central nervous system

The effect of dichlorvos exposure (5 mg kg-1 body wt, ip) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in different regions of the rat central nervous system was studied. In the present paper an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was used as an index of dichlorvos neurotoxicity. We observed significant increases in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase which were accompanied by a decrease in the values of lipid peroxidation. Dichlorvos exposure also resulted in a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity. The decreased levels of both reduced and oxidized glutathione as observed on dichlorvos exposure affected the GSH/GSSG ratio. These results indicate that the enzymes SOD and catalase may enhance the disposal of potentially toxic radicals. Furthermore, the decrease in GSH levels may be a mechanism for the detoxification of dichlorvos in the brain.