Effect of melatonin and luzindole antagonist on fipronil toxicity, detoxification and antioxidant enzyme system in different tissues of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Studies have investigating the detoxification and antioxidant enzymes with melatonin under pesticide stress in many vertebrates, whereas no reports produced in invertebrates. In this study possible role of melatonin and luzindole effect on fipronil toxicity and the detoxification, antioxidant enzymes in H. armigera has been reported. Result showed high toxicity of fipronil treatment (LC50 4.24 ppm), followed by increased LC50 value with melatonin pretreatment (6.44 ppm). Whereas decreased toxicity was observed with melatonin and luzindole combination (3.72 ppm). The detoxification enzymes AChE, esterase and P450 were increased in larval head and whole body with exogenous melatonin level compared to control 1-1.5 µmol/mg of protein. The antioxidant levels of CAT, SOD and GST in whole body and head tissue had been increased by melatonin and fipronil combination 1.1-1.4 unit/mg of protein followed by GPx and GR in larval head (1-1.2 µmol/mg of protein). Mean while the luzindole antagonist inhibits CAT, SOD, GST and GR oxidative enzyme level (1-1.5 fold) in most of the tissue compared to melatonin and fipronil treatment (p < 0.01). Hence this study concludes that the melatonin pretreatment can reduce the fipronil toxicity by enhanced detoxification and antioxidant enzyme system in H. armigera.