Detoxification enzymes of freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii fed a diet enriched in selenium: Preliminary results

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the extent of accumulation of selenium in the hepatopancreas of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii and its effects on the enzymatic activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Crayfish were fed for 15 days either a diet enriched in Se, ED (1.21 mg kg⁻¹) or a standard diet, SD (0.30 mg kg⁻¹). Results showed that Se accumulation is higher in the sample subject to ED rather than to SD. A sexual difference was found for the response of the analyzed enzymes in the ED sample only. Catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in females and males, respectively, whereas glutathione reductase activity showed significant reductions in both sexes. These preliminary data might provide information about prooxidant effects of Se on P. clarkii when fed a Se enriched diet.

Keywords:

• Crayfish
• Procambarus clarkii
• selenium
• diet
• detoxification
• antioxidant enzymes

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr M. Natali of the Fish Breeding Centre of Lake Trasimeno (S. Arcangelo, Umbria, Italy) for his kindly assistance.