Chronic administration of sublethal doses of carbaryl increases pineal N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities and serum melatonin levels

J Pineal Res. 1991 Jan;10(1):49-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1991.tb00009.x.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chronic administration of sublethal doses of carbaryl on pineal melatonin synthesis. N-methyl 1-naphthylcarbamate (carbaryl) (8.33 mg/kg B.W. daily) was administered orally to adult male albino rats for 6 successive days. Nocturnal (0100) N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities were increased (roughly 75% and 60%, respectively) by carbaryl administration; likewise, carbaryl augmented serum melatonin levels at 2300. Pineal tryptophan. 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, and 5-hydroxindole acetic acid levels were unaffected at all three time points. The results indicate that the carbamate pesticide, i.e., carbaryl, modifies pineal melatonin synthesis in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan / metabolism
  • Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Carbaryl / administration & dosage
  • Carbaryl / toxicity*
  • Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / metabolism
  • Male
  • Melatonin / blood*
  • Pineal Gland / drug effects*
  • Pineal Gland / enzymology
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Rats
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Tryptophan / metabolism

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
  • Tryptophan
  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan
  • Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase
  • Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase
  • Melatonin
  • Carbaryl