Synergistic Effect of Sulfoxide with Carbaryl on the in vivo Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Carbohydrate Metabolism of the Snail Lymnaea acuminata

The synergistic effects of sulfoxide on the effects of carbaryl in the snail Lymnaea acuminata were studied. Snails were exposed to 40 % and 80 % of 48 h LC50 doses of synergist, carbaryl mixture (5 : 1). While the concentration of carbaryl present in the mixture would not bring about any change in carbohydrate metabolism, there was a marked decrease in the AChE activity, glycogen levels and an increase in lactic acid and a reduction of sugar levels when the snails were exposed to a carbaryl synergist mixture. Sulfoxide alone also caused a decrease in glycogen levels and an increase in lactic acid levels. These changes, however, were smaller as compared to those resulting from exposure to the mixtures.