Comparative effects of oral chlorpyrifos exposure on cholinesterase activity and muscarinic receptor binding in neonatal and adult rat heart

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides elicit acute toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for inactivating acetylcholine (ACh) at cholinergic synapses. A number of OP toxicants have also been reported to interact directly with muscarinic receptors, in particular the M(2) muscarinic subtype. Parasympathetic innervation to the heart primarily regulates cardiac function by activating M(2) receptors in the sinus node, atrial-ventricular node and conducting tissues. Thus, OP insecticides can potentially influence cardiac function in a receptor-mediated manner indirectly by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and directly by binding to muscarinic M(2) receptors. Young animals are generally more sensitive than adults to the acute toxicity of OP insecticides and age-related differences in potency of direct binding to muscarinic receptors by some OP toxicants have been reported. We thus compared the effects of the common OP insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) on functional signs of toxicity and cardiac cholinesterase (ChE) activity and muscarinic receptor binding in neonatal and adult rats. Dosages were based on acute lethality (i.e., 0.5 and 1x LD(10): neonates, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg; adults, 68 and 136 mg/kg). Dose- and time-related changes in body weight and cholinergic signs of toxicity (involuntary movements) were noted in both age groups. With 1x LD(10), relatively similar maximal reductions in ChE activity (95%) and muscarinic receptor binding (approximately 30%) were noted, but receptor binding reductions appeared earlier in adults and were more prolonged in neonates. In vitro inhibition studies indicated that ChE in neonatal tissues was markedly more sensitive to inhibition by the active metabolite of chlorpyrifos (i.e., chlorpyrifos oxon, CPO) than enzyme in adult tissues (IC(50) values: neonates, 17 nM; adults, 200 nM). Chelation of free calcium with EDTA had relatively little effect on in vitro cholinesterase inhibition, suggesting that differential A-esterase activity was not responsible for the age-related difference in cholinesterase sensitivity between age groups. Pre-incubation of neonatal and adult tissues with selective inhibitors of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) indicated that a majority (82-90%) of ChE activity in the heart of both neonates and adults was BChE. The rapid onset (by 4h after dosing) of changes in muscarinic receptor binding in adult heart may be a reflection of the more potent direct binding to muscarinic receptors by chlorpyrifos oxon previously reported in adult tissues. The results suggest that ChE activity (primarily BChE) in neonatal heart may be inherently more sensitive to inhibition by some anticholinesterases and that toxicologically significant binding to muscarinic receptors may be possible with acute chlorpyrifos intoxication, potentially contributing to age-related differences in sensitivity.     

Interactive toxicity of chlorpyrifos and parathion in neonatal rats: role of esterases in exposure sequence-dependent toxicity

We previously reported that sequence of exposure to chlorpyrifos and parathion in adult rats can markedly influence toxic outcome. In the present study, we evaluated the interactive toxicity of chlorpyrifos (8 mg/kg, po) and parathion (0.5 mg/kg, po) in neonatal (7 days old) rats. Rats were exposed to the insecticides either concurrently or sequentially (separated by 4 h) and sacrificed at 4, 8, and 24 h after the first exposure for biochemical measurements (cholinesterase activity in brain, plasma, and diaphragm and carboxylesterase activity in plasma and liver). The concurrently-exposed group showed more cumulative lethality (15/24) than either of the sequential dosing groups. With sequential dosing, rats treated initially with chlorpyrifos prior to parathion (C/P) exhibited higher lethality (7/23) compared to those treated with parathion before chlorpyrifos (P/C; 1/24). At 8 h after initial dosing, brain cholinesterase inhibition was significantly greater in the C/P group (59%) compared to the P/C group (28%). Diaphragm and plasma cholinesterase activity also followed a relatively similar pattern of inhibition. Carboxylesterase inhibition in plasma and liver was relatively similar among the treatment groups across time-points. Similar sequence-dependent differences in brain cholinesterase inhibition were also noted with lower binary exposures to chlorpyrifos (2 mg/kg) and parathion (0.35 mg/kg). In vitro and ex vivo studies compared relative oxon detoxification of carboxylesterases (calcium-insensitive) and A-esterases (calcium-sensitive) in liver homogenates from untreated and insecticide pretreated rats. Using tissues from untreated rats, carboxylesterases detoxified both chlorpyrifos oxon and paraoxon, while A-esterases only detoxified chlorpyrifos oxon. With parathion pretreatment, A-esterases still detoxified chlorpyrifos oxon while liver from chlorpyrifos pretreated rats had little apparent effect on paraoxon. We conclude that while neonatal rats are less capable than adults at detoxifying many organophosphorus insecticides including chlorpyrifos and parathion, toxicant-selective differences in detoxification play a role in sequence-dependent toxicity in both neonatal and adult rats with these two insecticides.     

In vitro effects of organophosphorus anticholinesterases on muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of acetylcholine release in rat striatum

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro modulation of muscarinic autoreceptor function by the organophosphorus (OP) anticholinesterases chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon, and methyl paraoxon. Acetylcholine (ACh) release was studied by preloading slices from rat striatum with [3H]choline and depolarizing with potassium (20 mM) in perfusion buffer containing hemicholinium-3 (to prevent reuptake of radiolabeled choline). Under these conditions, chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon, and methyl paraoxon (0.1-10 microM) all reduced ACh release in a concentration-dependent manner. Addition of the carbamate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor physostigmine (20 microM) to the perfusion buffer also decreased ACh release. When physostigmine was present, the three oxons had no additional effect on ACh release. Concentration-dependent inhibition of AChE activity in striatal slices perfused with chlorpyrifos oxon (0.1, 1, and 10 microM) suggested AChE inhibition was responsible for oxon-mediated alterations in ACh release. To differentiate between direct and indirect actions of the OP toxicants on muscarinic autoreceptors, we compared the effects of the oxons on ACh release under two conditions, i.e., tissues were perfused with buffer containing only hemicholinium-3 or with buffer containing hemicholinium-3, physostigmine, and the nonselective muscarinic receptor blocker atropine (100 nM). In the presence of only hemicholinium-3, concentration-dependent inhibition of ACh release was again noted for all oxons, similar to the effects of the muscarinic agonists carbachol and cis-dioxolane. In the presence of physostigmine and atropine, the relative potencies of all agents were markedly reduced. Interestingly, carbachol, cis-dioxolane, paraoxon, and methyl paraoxon all decreased ACh release as before, but chlorpyrifos oxon (100-300 microM) actually increased ACh release. Together, the results suggest that chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon, and methyl paraoxon can activate muscarinic autoreceptors indirectly through inhibition of AChE. Both paraoxon and methyl paraoxon also directly activate whereas chlorpyrifos oxon blocks muscarinic autoreceptor function. Qualitative differences in the direct actions of these oxons at this presynaptic regulatory site could contribute to differential toxicity with high-dose exposures.     

Inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes following a single dermal dose of chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion, alone and in combination, in pregnant rats

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (14-18 d of gestation) were treated with either a single dermal subclinical dose of 30 mg/kg (15% of dermal LD50) chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl-O-[3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl] phosphorothioate) or a single dermal subclinical dose of 10 mg/kg (15% of dermal LD50) methyl parathion (O,O-dimethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) or the two in combination. Chlorpyrifos inhibited maternal and fetal brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity within 24 h of dosing, (48% and 67% of control activity, respectively). Following application of methyl parathion, peak inhibition of maternal and fetal brain AChE activity occurred at 48 h and 24 h after dosing (17% and 48% of control activity, respectively). A combination of chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion produced peak inhibition of maternal and fetal brain AChE activity at 24 h postdosing (35% and 73% of control activity, respectively). Maternal and fetal brain AChE activity recovered to various degrees of percentage of control 96 h after dosing. Application of methyl parathion or chlorpyrifos alone or in combination significantly inhibited maternal plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity. No significant inhibition of fetal plasma BuChE activity was detected. Peak inhibition of maternal liver BuChE occurred 24 h after application of methyl parathion or chlorpyrifos alone or in combination (64%, 80%, and 61% of control activity, respectively). Significant inhibition of placental AChE occurred within 24 h after application of methyl parathion or chlorpyrifos alone or in combination. The results suggest that methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos, alone or in combination, were rapidly distributed in maternal and fetal tissues, resulting in rapid inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme activities. The lower inhibitory effect of the combination could be due to competition between chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion for cytochrome P-450 enzymes, resulting in inhibition of the formation of the potent cholinesterase inhibitor oxon forms. The faster recovery of fetal plasma BuChE is attributed to the de novo synthesis of cholinesterase by fetal tissues compared to maternal tissues.     

Factors involved in the differential acute toxicity of the insecticides chlorpyrifos and methyl chlorpyrifos in mice

The ip LD₅₀s of the insecticides chlorpyrifos [O,O-diethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate] and methyl chlorpyrifos [O,O-dimethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate] were determined to be 192 and 2325 mg/kg, respectively, in male mice. In an attempt to explain this 12-fold difference in toxicity, the extent of glutathione (GSH)-dependent detoxification of chlorpyrifos, methyl chlorpyrifos, and their oxygen analogs was examined. Incubation of 1000 nmol of insecticides with GSH-fortified mouse liver cytosol resulted in the disappearance of 458 and 819 nmol of chlorpyrifos oxon and methyl chlorpyrifos, respectively. However, chlorpyrifos and methyl chlorpyrifos oxon were not substrates for GSH-dependent biotransformation in vitro. Pretreatment of mice with diethyl maleate resulted in a 2.0- and 8.5-fold increase in the acute toxicities of chlorpyrifos and methyl chlorpyrifos, respectively. Administration of methyl chlorpyrifos (1000 mg/kg) to mice produced a marked, prolonged depletion of hepatic GSH, while administration of chlorpyrifos (70 mg/kg) resulted in a moderate, transient decrease in hepatic GSH content. Both doses inhibited brain and plasma cholinesterase, and brain and liver nonspecific esterase activities to a similar degree. HPLC analyses of brain concentrations of methyl chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos revealed that brain levels of methyl chlorpyrifos 46 times greater than those of chlorpyrifos were required to achieve the same degree of brain cholinesterase inhibition. Furthermore, the concentration of methyl chlorpyrifos oxon needed to produce 50% inhibition of bovine red blood cell or mouse brain cholinesterase was 480 times greater than that required for chlorpyrifos oxon. These data suggest that differences in the extent of GSH-mediated detoxification can account for only a portion of the observed differences in acute toxicity between chlorpyrifos and methyl chlorpyrifos.     

Protective effect of polyurethane immobilized human butyrylcholinesterase against parathion inhalation in rat

Organophosphates (OP) are used in large quantities around the world as agricultural insecticides. Exposure to these toxic chemicals is a serious global health problem. Human plasma butyrylcholinesterase is known to be a good scavenger of organophosphorus pesticides and chemical warfare agents. In this study, purified human plasma butyrylcholinesterase (HuBChE) from pooled outdated human plasma, was immobilized onto the polyurethane foam. The immobilized enzyme showed greater stability at and above room temperature (up to 55 °C), compared to the enzyme in solution. Scavenger properties of immobilized enzyme were tested in vitro with parathion and its active metabolite paraoxon. In, in vitro experiments polyurethane foam with immobilized active enzyme removed 40% of parathion and 50% of paraoxon inhibitory effect (based on cholinesterase inhibition). In, in vivo experiments groups of rats inhaled parathion through filters with immobilized active enzyme (Group I), immobilized inactivated enzyme (Group II), and control group (Group III) inhaled solvent only without any parathion or filter. In the Group II animals, activity of plasma and red blood cells cholinesterase was significantly decreased (30 and 28%, respectively) compared to Groups I and III animals. In other tissues such as brain, skeletal muscle and lung, activity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the Group II animals, was decreased significantly (29, 28, and 22%, respectively). There was no significant differences between Groups I and III animals enzyme activities. In conclusion, immobilized butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) may be useful in scavenging and detoxifying organophosphate compounds both for medical protection and decontamination procedures.     

Concentration-dependent interactions of the organophosphates chlorpyrifos oxon and methyl paraoxon with human recombinant acetylcholinesterase

For many decades it has been thought that oxygen analogs (oxons) of organophosphorus insecticides phosphorylate the catalytic site of acetylcholinesterase by a mechanism that follows simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. More recently, the interactions of at least some oxons have been shown to be far more complex and likely involve binding of oxons to a second site on acetylcholinesterase that modulates the inhibitory capacity of other oxon molecules at the catalytic site. The current study has investigated the interactions of chlorpyrifos oxon and methyl paraoxon with human recombinant acetylcholinesterase. Both chlorpyrifos oxon and methyl paraoxon were found to have k(i)'s that change as a function of oxon concentration. Furthermore, 10 nM chlorpyrifos oxon resulted in a transient increase in acetylthiocholine hydrolysis, followed by inhibition. Moreover, in the presence of 100 nM chlorpyrifos oxon, acetylthiocholine was found to influence both the K(d) (binding affinity) and k(2) (phosphorylation constant) of this oxon. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the interactions of chlorpyrifos oxon and methyl paraoxon with acetylcholinesterase cannot be described by simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics but instead support the hypothesis that these oxons bind to a secondary site on acetylcholinesterase, leading to activation/inhibition of the catalytic site, depending on the nature of the substrate and inhibitor. Additionally, these data raise questions regarding the adequacy of estimating risk of low levels of insecticide exposure from direct extrapolation of insecticide dose-response curves since the capacity of individual oxon molecules at low oxon levels could be greater than individual oxon molecules in vivo associated with the dose-response curve.     

Maturation-dependent effects of chlorpyrifos and parathion and their oxygen analogs on acetylcholinesterase and neuronal and glial markers in aggregating brain cell cultures

An in vitro model, the aggregating brain cell culture of fetal rat telencephalon, has been used to study the maturation-dependent sensitivity of brain cells to two organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), chlorpyrifos and parathion, and to their oxon derivatives. Immature (DIV 5-15) or differentiated (DIV 25-35) brain cells were treated continuously for 10 days. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potency for the OPs was compared to that of eserine (physostigmine), a reversible AChE inhibitor. Oxon derivatives were more potent AChE inhibitors than the parent compounds, and parathion was more potent than chlorpyrifos. No maturation-dependent differences for AChE inhibition were found for chlorpyrifos and eserine, whereas for parathion and paraoxon there was a tendency to be more effective in immature cultures, while the opposite was true for chlorpyrifos-oxon. Toxic effects, assessed by measuring protein content as an index of general cytotoxicity, and various enzyme activities as cell-type-specific neuronal and glial markers (ChAT and GAD, for cholinergic and GABAergic neurons, respectively, and GS and CNP, for astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, respectively) were only found at more than 70% of AChE inhibition. Immature compared to differentiated cholinergic neurons appeared to be more sensitive to OP treatments. The oxon derivates were found to be more toxic on neurons than the parent compounds, and chlorpyrifos was more toxic than parathion. Eserine was not neurotoxic. These results indicate that inhibition of AChE remains the most sensitive macromolecular target of OP exposure, since toxic effects were found at concentrations in which AChE was inhibited. Furthermore, the compound-specific reactions, the differential pattern of toxicity of OPs compared to eserine, and the higher sensitivity of immature brain cells suggest that the toxic effects and inhibition of AChE are unrelated.     

The influence of age on the toxicity and metabolism of methyl parathion and parathion in male and female rats

To determine the mechanisms responsible for the variations in toxicity of methyl parathion and parathion, the in vitro metabolism of these insecticides and cholinesterase sensitivity to their respective oxygen analogs methyl paraoxon and paraoxon were studied in male and female rats of several ages. For rats of five ages studied (1, 12–13, 23–24, 35–40, and 56–63 days), there was a gradual decrease in susceptibility to poisoning by both insecticides with increasing age up to 35–40 days for both sexes. Age differences in susceptibility were not related to differences in sensitivity of cholinesterase to inhibition by paraoxon or methyl paraoxon in vitro. Oxidative formation of the oxygen analogs, oxidative aryl cleavage, and glutathione-dependent dealkylation and dearylation of methyl parathion and parathion were assayed in liver homogenates of male and female rats of the five ages. Rates of enzymatic detoxification of their corresponding oxygen analogs by A-esterase, glutathione-S-aryl-, and -S-alkyl-transferase and inactivation by binding were also investigated. Correlation coefficients for rates of metabolism versus LD50 values for the different ages were calculated. In general, changes in LD50 values with age for methyl parathion and parathion correlated better with changes in rates of reactions which represented detoxification pathways for methyl paraoxon and paraoxon than for reactions which represented direct metabolism of the parent insecticides. Both male and female rats became much less sensitive to the acute lethal effects of methyl paraoxon and paraoxon with increasing age. This is consistent with a hypothesis that changes in LD50 values of methyl parathion and parathion with age are due to changes in rates of metabolism of the oxygen analogs.     

Inhibition of recombinant human carboxylesterase 1 and 2 and monoacylglycerol lipase by chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon and methyl paraoxon

Oxons are the bioactivated metabolites of organophosphorus insecticides formed via cytochrome P450 monooxygenase-catalyzed desulfuration of the parent compound. Oxons react covalently with the active site serine residue of serine hydrolases, thereby inactivating the enzyme. A number of serine hydrolases other than acetylcholinesterase, the canonical target of oxons, have been reported to react with and be inhibited by oxons. These off-target serine hydrolases include carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), CES2, and monoacylglycerol lipase. Carboxylesterases (CES, EC 3.1.1.1) metabolize a number of xenobiotic and endobiotic compounds containing ester, amide, and thioester bonds and are important in the metabolism of many pharmaceuticals. Monoglyceride lipase (MGL, EC 3.1.1.23) hydrolyzes monoglycerides including the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The physiological consequences and toxicity related to the inhibition of off-target serine hydrolases by oxons due to chronic, low level environmental exposures are poorly understood. Here, we determined the potency of inhibition (IC₅₀ values; 15 min preincubation, enzyme and inhibitor) of recombinant CES1, CES2, and MGL by chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon and methyl paraoxon. The order of potency for these three oxons with CES1, CES2, and MGL was chlorpyrifos oxon > paraoxon > methyl paraoxon, although the difference in potency for chlorpyrifos oxon with CES1 and CES2 did not reach statistical significance. We also determined the bimolecular rate constants (k_inact/K_I) for the covalent reaction of chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon and methyl paraoxon with CES1 and CES2. Consistent with the results for the IC₅₀ values, the order of reactivity for each of the three oxons with CES1 and CES2 was chlorpyrifos oxon > paraoxon > methyl paraoxon. The bimolecular rate constant for the reaction of chlorpyrifos oxon with MGL was also determined and was less than the values determined for chlorpyrifos oxon with CES1 and CES2 respectively. Together, the results define the kinetics of inhibition of three important hydrolytic enzymes by activated metabolites of widely used agrochemicals.     

Each lipase has a unique sensitivity profile for organophosphorus inhibitors.

Lipases sensitive to organophosphorus (OP) inhibitors play critical roles in cell regulation, nutrition, and disease, but little is known on the toxicological aspects in mammals. To help fill this gap, six lipases or lipase-like proteins are assayed for OP sensitivity in vitro under standard conditions (25 degrees C, 15 min incubation). Postheparin serum lipase, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) (two sources), pancreatic lipase, monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipase, cholesterol esterase, and KIAA1363 are considered with 32 OP pesticides and related compounds. Postheparin lipolytic activity in rat serum is inhibited by 14 OPs, including chlorpyrifos oxon (IC50 50-97 nM). LPL (bovine milk and Pseudomonas) generally is less inhibited by the insecticides or activated oxons, but the milk enzyme is very sensitive to six fluorophosphonates and benzodioxaphosphorin oxides (IC50 7-20 nM). Porcine pancreatic lipase is very sensitive to dioctyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (IC50 8 nM), MAG lipase of mouse brain to O-4-nitrophenyl methyldodecylphosphinate (IC50 0.6 nM), and cholesterol esterase (bovine pancreas) to all of the classes of OPs tested (IC50 < 10 nM for 17 compounds). KIAA1363 is sensitive to numerous OPs, including two O-4-nitrophenyl compounds (IC50 3-4 nM). In an overview, inhibition of 28 serine hydrolases (including lipases) by eight OPs (chlorpyrifos oxon, diazoxon, paraoxon, dichlorvos, and four nonpesticides) showed that brain acetylcholinesterase is usually less sensitive than butyrylcholinesterase, liver esterase, cholesterol esterase, and KIAA1363. In general, each lipase (like each serine hydrolase) has a different spectrum of OP sensitivity, and individual OPs have unique ranking of potency for inhibition of serine hydrolases.     

Activation and degradation of the phosphorothionate insecticides parathion and EPN by rat brain

Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases are known to activate phosphorothionate insecticides to their oxon (phosphate) analogs by oxidative desulfuration. These activations produced potent anticholinesterases, decreasing the I50 values to rat brain acetylcholinesterase almost 1000-fold (from the 10(-5) M range to the 10(-8) M range). Since the usual cause of death in mammals from organophosphorus insecticide poisoning is respiratory failure resulting, in part, from a failure of the respiratory control center of the brain, we investigated the ability of rat brain to activate and subsequently degrade two phosphorothionate insecticides, parathion (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) and EPN (ethyl 4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate). Microsomes from specific regions (cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, cerebellum, and medulla/pons) of the brains of male and female rats and from liver were incubated with the phosphorothionate and an NADPH-generating system. Oxon production was quantified indirectly by the amount of inhibition resulting in an exogenous source of acetylcholinesterase added to the incubation mixture as an oxon trap. The microsomal activation specific activity was low for brain when compared to liver [0.23 to 0.44 and 5.1 to 12.0 nmol.min-1.(g tissue)-1 respectively]. The mitochondrial fraction of the brain possessed an activation activity for parathion similar to that of microsomes [about 0.35 nmol.min-1.(g tissue)-1 for each fraction], but mitochondrial activity was slightly greater than microsomal activity for EPN activation [0.53 to 0.58 and 0.23 to 0.47 nmole.min-1.(g tissue)-1]. Whole homogenates were tested for their ability to degrade paraoxon and EPN-oxon (ethyl 4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate), quantitated by 4-nitrophenol production. Specific activity for oxon degradation in liver was greater than that in brain [31 to 74 and 1.1 to 10.7 nmole.min-1.(g tissue)-1 respectively]. Overall, the brain and liver had about 1.5- to 12-fold higher specific activities for degradation than activation depending on the compound used. These findings demonstrate that the brain possesses both phosphorothionate activation and oxon degradation abilities, both of which may be significant during exposures to organophosphorus insecticides.     

Biotransformation of the organophosphorus insecticides parathion and methyl parathion in male and female rat livers perfused in situ.

Although numerous previous reports have characterized the mammalian biotransformation of the organophosphorus insecticides parathion and methyl parathion, questions still remain regarding the toxicological significance of certain metabolic pathways in vivo. The present study utilized rat liver perfusions in order to better characterize the hepatic biotransformation of parathion and methyl parathion in intact liver. Single-pass liver perfusions with parathion and methyl parathion over a range of perfusate concentrations of 10-80 microM resulted in the appearance of paraoxon and methyl paraoxon, respectively, in effluent. Furthermore, rat blood did not have the capacity to prevent transport of paraoxon and methyl paraoxon to extrahepatic tissues, suggesting that oxon produced hepatically can distribute to extrahepatic tissues. In addition, striking sex differences were noted in the metabolite profile of parathion and methyl parathion in perfused livers. However, these differences could not account for the observation that females are more susceptible to parathion, but less susceptible to methyl parathion, compared to males. And finally, S-methyl glutathione or S-p-nitrophenyl glutathione could not be detected in effluent or bile of livers from either sex perfused with methyl parathion, suggesting that glutathione-dependent detoxification of this insecticide does not occur to any significant degree in intact rat liver.     

The interaction of the phosphorothioate insecticides chlorpyrifos and parathion and their oxygen analogues with bovine serum albumin

The distribution and subsequent toxicity of hazardous chemicals can be influenced by their interactions with plasma proteins. In the present study reversible binding of the phosphorothioate insecticides chlorpyrifos and parathion to fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin (BSA) was examined using the technique of equilibrium dialysis. Computer analyses of the binding data revealed that chlorpyrifos and parathion each bound reversibly to a single class of binding sites on BSA, with apparent KD values of 3.4 +/- 0.1 and 11.1 +/- 0.3 microM, respectively. Additionally, the maximal number of binding sites for each insecticide per molecule of BSA was one. Displacement studies using both chlorpyrifos and parathion indicated that each was a competitive inhibitor of the other's binding, suggesting that they were bound to the same site. Incubation of chlorpyrifos oxon or paraoxon with a 1% solution of BSA resulted in limited, EDTA-insensitive formation of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol or p-nitrophenol, respectively. Pretreatment of BSA with 5 mM paraoxon, chlorpyrifos oxon, or 1 mM diisopropylfluorophosphate did not alter this activity, suggesting that these reactions resulted from an esterase-like capacity of BSA, and not from phosphorylation of BSA by these oxons.     

In vitro effects of chlorpyrifos, parathion, methyl parathion and their oxons on cardiac muscarinic receptor binding in neonatal and adult rats.

Organophosphorus insecticides elicit toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Young animals are generally more sensitive than adults to these toxicants. A number of studies reported that some organophosphorus agents also bind directly to muscarinic receptors, in particular the m(2) subtype, in tissues from adult rats. As both the density and agonist affinity states of cardiac muscarinic receptors (primarily m(2)) have been reported to change in an age-related manner, we evaluated the relative in vitro sensitivity of cardiac muscarinic receptors in tissues from neonatal (7-11 days of age) and adult (90 days of age) rats to selected organophosphorus compounds (chlorpyrifos, parathion, methyl parathion and their oxygen analogs or oxons). The effects of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (100 pM-5 microM) or an organophosphorus toxicant (50 pM-10 microM) on muscarinic receptor binding were determined using the nonselective muscarinic ligand [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate or the m(2)-preferential ligand [3H]oxotremorine-M acetate. Carbachol displaced [3H]oxotremorine labeling in adult and neonatal membranes in a relatively similar manner (IC(50)=7-20 nM). The oxons all displaced [3H]oxotremorine binding in a concentration-dependent manner, with chlorpyrifos oxon being the most potent (IC(50): neonates, 15 nM; adults, 7 nM) and efficacious (maximum displacement: neonates, 42%; adults, 56%). Interestingly, methyl parathion was an extremely potent displacer of [3H]oxotremorine binding in adult tissues (IC(50)=0.5 nM, maximum displacement=37%) but had no effect in neonatal tissues. The displacement of [3H]oxotremorine binding by chlorpyrifos oxon (10 microM) was still apparent after washing the tissues, suggesting the oxon irreversibly blocked agonist binding to the receptor while interaction with MePS appeared reversible. As effective concentrations of the oxons were relatively similar to their anticholinesterase potencies, these findings suggest that direct interaction with cardiac muscarinic receptors by some organophosphorus agents may occur at relevant exposure levels and contribute to cardiac toxicity.     

Comparison of chlorpyrifos-oxon and paraoxon acetylcholinesterase inhibition dynamics: potential role of a peripheral binding site.

The primary mechanism of action for organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, like chlorpyrifos and parathion, is to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by their oxygenated metabolites (oxons), due to the phosphorylation of the serine hydroxyl group located in the active site of the molecule. The rate of phosphorylation is described by the bimolecular inhibitory rate constant (k(i)), which has been used for quantification of OP inhibitory capacity. It has been proposed that a peripheral binding site exists on the AChE molecule, which, when occupied, reduces the capacity of additional oxon molecules to phosphorylate the active site. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) and paraoxon (PO) with rat brain AChE to assess the dynamics of AChE inhibition and the potential role of a peripheral binding site. The k(i) values for AChE inhibition determined at oxon concentrations of 1-100 nM were 0.206 +/- 0.018 and 0.0216 nM(-1)h(-1) for CPO and PO, respectively. The spontaneous reactivation rates of the inhibited AChE for CPO and PO were 0.084-0.087 (two determinations) and 0.091 +/- 0.023 h(-1), respectively. In contrast, the k(i) values estimated at a low oxon concentration (1 pM) were approximately 1,000- and 10,000-fold higher than those determined at high CPO and PO concentrations, respectively. At low concentrations, the k(i) estimates were approximately similar for both CPO and PO (150-180 [two determinations] and 300 +/- 180 nM(-1)h(-1), respectively). This implies that, at low concentrations, both oxons exhibited similar inhibitory potency in contrast to the marked difference exhibited at higher concentrations. These results support the potential importance of a secondary peripheral binding site associated with AChE kinetics, particularly at low, environmentally relevant concentrations.     

Microsomal biotransformation of chlorpyrifos, parathion and fenthion in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): mechanistic insights into interspecific differences in toxicity

Rainbow trout often serve as a surrogate species evaluating xenobiotic toxicity in cold-water species including other salmonids of the same genus, which are listed as threatened or endangered. Biotransformation tends to show species-specific patterns that influence susceptibility to xenobiotic toxicity, particularly organophosphate insecticides (OPs). To evaluate the contribution of biotransformation in the mechanism of toxicity of three organophosphate (phosphorothionate) insecticides, (chlorpyrifos, parathion and fenthion), microsomal bioactivation and detoxification pathways were measured in gills, liver and olfactory tissues in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and compared to juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Consistent with species differences in acute toxicity, significantly higher chlorpyrifos bioactivation was found in liver microsomes of rainbow trout (up to 2-fold) when compared with coho salmon. Although bioactivation to the oxon was observed, the catalytic efficiency towards chlorpyrifos dearylation (detoxification) was significantly higher in liver for both species (1.82 and 0.79 for trout and salmon, respectively) when compared to desulfuration (bioactivation). Bioactivation of parathion to paraoxon was significantly higher (up to 2.2-fold) than detoxification to p-nitrophenol in all tissues of both species with rates of conversion in rainbow trout, again significantly higher than coho salmon. Production of fenoxon and fenthion sulfoxides from fenthion was detected only in liver and gills of both species with activities in rainbow trout significantly higher than coho salmon. NADPH-dependent cleavage of fenthion was observed in all tissues, and was the only activity detected in olfactory tissues. These results indicate rainbow trout are more sensitive than coho salmon to the acute toxicity of OP pesticides because trout have higher catalytic rates of oxon formation. Thus, rainbow trout may serve as a conservative surrogate species for the evaluation of OP pesticides in coho salmon.     

Interactive toxicity of the organophosphorus insecticides chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion in adult rats

The acute interactive toxicity following exposure to two common organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, chlorpyrifos (CPF) and methyl parathion (MPS), was investigated in adult male rats. Oral LD1 values were estimated by dose-response studies (CPF = 80 mg/kg; MPS = 4 mg/kg, in peanut oil, 1 ml/kg). Rats were treated with both toxicants (0.5 or 1 x LD1) either concurrently or sequentially, with 4-h intervals between dosing. Functional signs of toxicity (1-96 h) and cumulative lethality (96 h) were recorded. Rats treated with CPF (1 x LD1) did not show any signs of toxicity although MPS (1 x LD1) elicited slight to moderate signs (involuntary movements) within 1-2 h. Concurrent exposure (LD1 dosages of both CPF and MPS) caused slight signs of toxicity only apparent between 24 and 48 h after dosing. When rats were treated sequentially with MPS first followed by CPF 4 h later, slight signs of toxicity were noted between 6 and 24 h, whereas reversing the sequence resulted in 100% lethality within 1 h of the second dosage. Following exposure to lower dosages (0.5 x LD1), the CPF first group showed higher signs of cholinergic toxicity compared with MPS first or concurrent groups. Cholinesterase inhibition in plasma, diaphragm, and frontal cortex was generally higher in rats treated sequentially with CPF first than in those treated initially with MPS from 4 to 24 h after dosing. Plasma and liver carboxylesterase inhibition at 4 h was also significantly higher in the CPF first (62-90%) compared with MPS first (22-43%) group, while at 8 and 24 h, there was no significant difference between any of the treatment groups. ChE inhibition assays to evaluate in vitro hepatic detoxification of oxons indicated that carboxylesterase (CE)- and A-esterase-mediated pathways are markedly less important for methyl paraoxon (MPO) than chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) detoxification. CPF pretreatment blocked hepatic detoxification of methyl paraoxon while MPS pretreatment had minimal effect on hepatic CPO detoxification ex vivo. These findings suggest that the sequence of exposure to two insecticides that elicit toxicity through a common mechanism can markedly influence the cumulative action at the target site (acetylcholinesterase, AChE) and consequent functional toxicity.     

Inhibition and recovery of maternal and fetal cholinesterase enzyme activity following a single cutaneous dose of methyl parathion and diazinon, alone and in combination, in pregnant rats

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (14-18 days of gestation) were treated with a single cutaneous subclinical dose(s) of 10 mg kg(-1) (15% of LD(50)) of methyl parathion (O,O-dimethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) and 65 mg kg(-1) (15% of LD(50)) of diazinon (O,O)-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6-methylpyrimidinyl phosphorothioate, and their combination. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after dosing. Inhibition of maternal and fetal cholinesterase enzyme activity has been determined. Methyl parathion significantly inhibited maternal and fetal brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity within 24 h after dosing. Diazinon and a mixture of methyl parathion and diazinon caused lesser inhibition compared with methyl parathion alone. Recovery of maternal and fetal brain AChE activity was in the order of diazinon > combination of diazinon and methyl parathion > methyl parathion 96 h after dosing. Although fetal plasma BuChE activity recovered to 100% of control within 96 h of application, maternal BuChE activity remained inhibited to 55% and 32% of control 96 h after application of methyl parathion and a mixture of methyl parathion and diazinon, respectively. Following a single dermal dose of methyl parathion, the activity of maternal liver BuChE was 63% of control 2 h after dosing, whereas inhibition of placental AChE or BuChE activity occurred 12 and 1 h following a single dose of methyl parathion, corresponding to activities of 63% and 54% of control, respectively. Diazinon, alone or in combination with methyl parathion, did not inhibit significantly the maternal liver BuChE or placental AChE and BuChE activity. The results suggest that dermal application of a single dose of methyl parathion and diazinon, alone or in combination, has an easy access into maternal and fetal tissues, resulting in inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes. The lower inhibitory effect of the combination of methyl parathion and diazinon might be due to competition of diazinon with methyl parathion for cytochrome P-450 enzymes, resulting in formation of the potent cholinesterase inhibitor methyl paraoxon. The faster recovery of fetal cholinesterase enzymes is attributed to the rapid de novo synthesis of cholinesterase fetal tissues compared with the mother.     

Degradation by rat tissues in vitro of organophosphorus esters which inhibit cholinesterase

Hydrolytic "A"-esterase activities of various tissues of rat (plasma, liver, kidney, brain and intestinal mucosa) against selected OP esters of diverse structure as potential substrates (paraoxon, di-n-propyl paraoxon, di-n-butyl paraoxon, chlorpyrifos oxon, di-(4-phenyl butyl) phosphorofluoridate and the chiral isomers of ethyl 4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate) were studied. We have developed a sensitive and widely applicable assay depending on measuring decline in residual inhibitory power of any chosen OP against horse serum cholinesterase: for seven compounds examined so far I50s against BuChE ranged from 0.07 to 70 nM, and it is easy to monitor loss of OP starting from an initial 25 microM concentration. Progressive destruction rates were always highest in liver and plasma with activity sometimes detectable in kidney, brain but not in intestinal mucosa, but the ratios of activity between tissues differed for different substrates. At 25 microM/37 degrees/pH 7.2 hydrolysis rates ranged from 8500 nmol/min/g liver for di-(4-phenylbutyl) phosphorofluoridate down to 0.8 nmol/min for the butyl analogue of paraoxon; the rate for L(-) isomer of EPN oxon (23 nmol/min/g liver) was greater than 2x that for the D(+) isomer and for paraoxon. From our data we conclude that several OP hydrolases exist whose identity may be further characterised by use of selective substrates.