Oxidative and physiological effects of carvedilol, a beta–blocker, in Daphnia magna

Carvedilol is a beta–blocker. Beta–blockers affect the heart and circulation. carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension. Although this substance has effects in humans and some animals, its effect on the physiological and antioxidant status of daphnids is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of carvedilol doses (0, 0.125, 0.45 and 0.90 mg·L-1) on physiological activities (heart rate, postabdominal paw activity and thoracic limb movements) and oxidative stress. In Daphnia magna; malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S transferase (GST) markers were examined. The activity of physiological parameters in D. magna exposed to all carvedilol concentrations was found to be lower than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Application of carvedilol to D. magna resulted in lower GSH content in all groups throughout the experimental period. MDA, SOD, CAT and GST activity were improved. These findings indicate that carvedilol causes physiological and biochemical changes in D. magna. Daphnia species have great potential to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of human medicine. More comprehensive research is needed on this subject.