Effect of Heavy Metals on the Activity Levels of Hepatic Enzymes in the Maternal and Embryonic Tissues of Viviparous Scorpion (H. fulvipes)

An experimental study was performed with viviparous animal Heterometrous fulvipes to access the cumulative effect of chronic heavy metals exposure on the activity levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Chronic heavy metal exposure resulted in variation in the enzymes levels with increase in AST and decreases in ALT, contributed to the stress induced by the heavy metals. These changes in enzymatic activity of the maternal and embryonic tissue of H. fulvipes under the influence of heavy metal, mercury and lead is suggestive of the specific impact of mercury and lead on the enzymatic pathway, prompting a further study to consolidate the finding in human study. It is pertinent that the heavy metal toxicity be well documented and appropriate precaution taken in mother and fetus to decrease its detrimental effects. Key-wordsHeavy Metals, Animal models, Hepatic Enzymes, Viviparous INTRODUCTION Heavy metals are believed to exert their influence on the activity of the enzymes playing a vital role in the biochemical transactions of a living system. Embryonic development is characterized by growth and formation of new tissues. The alterations in the activity of enzymes and/or embryonic tissues would invariably influence the developmental processes in viviparous animals as embryonic nourishment is provided by the maternal sources. Shift in the metabolism of either the maternal tissues or the embryos owing to changes in the enzyme activity influenced by heavy metals can be reflected in the form of deviations from the normal development. The metabolic levels of the embryo can, therefore, be expected to be different from those of the maternal animal. The metabolic state of the embryo relative to that of the mother would be reflected even at the molecular level in the enzymatic activity. Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: