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.     

Paraoxonase protects against chlorpyrifos toxicity in mice

Paraoxonase can hydrolyze paraoxon (PO), chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) and other organophosphates. Previous studies have indicated that the levels of serum paraoxonase can influence the toxicity of PO and CPO. In the present study we have investigated whether exogenous paraoxonase administered to mice would offer protection toward the acute toxicity of a phosphorothioate, chlorpyrifos (CPS). Paraoxonase was purified from rabbit serum and injected i.v., or i.v. plus i.p., in mice. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain, diaphragm, plasma and red blood cells was measured as an index of CPS (100 mg/kg) toxicity. Administration of paraoxonase 30 min before CPS increased plasma enzyme activity toward CPO by 35-fold, and protected against its toxicity; protection was still present at 24 h, when enzyme activity was still 20-fold over basal. When paraoxonase was given 30 min after CPS, a significant protection against CPS toxicity was still observed, while after 3 h the protective effect was decreased. To mimic conditions of severe acute poisoning, a higher dose of CPS (150 mg/kg) was also administered. Administration of paraoxonase 30 min after this exposure abolished cholinergic signs and significantly protected against AChE inhibition. These results indicate that exogenous paraoxonase offers significant protection against CPS toxicity when administered both before and after the organophosphate, suggesting that it may be considered as a potential additional treatment of organophosphate poisoning.     

Reproductive toxicity of methyl isocyanate in mice

The effects of methyl isocyanate (MIC) vapor on pregnancy and fertility were studied in mice in view of the reported increase in reproductive complications in Bhopal following the December 3, 1984, accident. The whole-body exposure of mice to 9 and 15 ppm MIC for 3 h on d 8 of gestation led to resorption of greater than 80% of implants. In more than 75% of MIC-exposed animals, all implants were lost. At these concentrations, MIC did not cause external malformations. However, there was evidence of an increase in visceral abnormalities and a decrease in fetal and placental weights and in fetal skeleton sizes. MIC disturbed the estrus cycle and decreased the mating and pregnancy rate of female mice. The mating performance of MIC-exposed male mice was also decreased. Exposure to MIC increased serum corticosterone levels of male and nonpregnant female mice. MIC exerted no significant effects on serum corticosterone and progesterone levels of pregnant mice if the pregnancy was retained but caused a significant decrease in the serum levels of these two hormones in animals that lost all the implants. These studies show that the effects of MIC in mice mimic many of the reproductive complications in Bhopal. The mechanism of the reproductive toxicity of MIC remains to be identified.     

Teratogenicity and developmental toxicity of chlorpyrifos. Maternal exposure during organogenesis in mice

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide, was evaluated for potential teratogenicity and developmental toxicity in mice. Pregnant females were given a single intraperitoneal injection (40 or 80 mg/kg) on day 10 of gestation and fetuses were evaluated on gestation day 17. At 80 mg/kg, chlorpyrifos treatment resulted in a significant reduction in numbers of live fetuses, and increase in resorptions, versus control litters. There was no indication of maternal toxicity. External and skeletal malformations were observed at 80 mg/kg, but not 40 mg/kg. Rates of fetuses with cleft palate increased significantly (p<0.05) following 80 mg/kg chlorpyrifos (5.97%) versus control litters (0.97%). Similarly, the absence of thoracic vertebrae was increased and the number of caudal vertebrae was significantly decreased. It is suggested that chlorpyrifos is teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice at doses below those that cause significant maternal toxicity.     

Cadmium-induced suppression of the primary immune response and acute toxicity in mice: differential interaction of zinc

Four groups of 6-week-old C3H mice were injected sc with either sterile saline, 2.8 mg Cd/kg body weight, 2.8 mg Zn/kg body weight, or 2.8 mg each of Cd and Zn/kg body weight. Forty-eight hours after the initial injection, all mice received a second dose of their respective treatments plus an iv injection of sheep red blood cells. On Days 2, 3, 4, and 5 postimmunization the mice were killed. Spleen cells were used in a hemolytic plaque-forming assay for the quantitation of the primary humoral response. Although the combined administration of zinc and cadmium completely prevented the fatal effects of the cadmium (0 vs 55% mortality), zinc failed to alleviate the cadmium-induced inhibition of the humoral response.     

Probable mechanisms involved in the antipsychotic-like activity of methyl jasmonate in mice

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology - Psychosis is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide and impairs the quality of life and productivity...     

百草枯对小鼠的急性毒性试验

目的 观察百草枯(Paraquat,PQ)对小鼠的急性毒性,计算其半数致死量(LD50).方法 给小鼠灌服不同浓度的PQ溶液,通过观察小鼠的活动和毒性反应,记录小鼠的死亡数,用概率单位法计算LD50.结果 给药后不同时间内,小鼠出现自由活动减少,濒死时呼吸频率加快、张口呼吸、鼻翼扇动等中毒症状,死亡高峰在2 h内,死亡原因为多脏器损伤.♂小鼠LD50=106.99 mg·kg-1,95%可信限范围为97.01～118.03 mg·kg-1;♀小鼠LD50=86.40 mg·kg-1,95%可信限范围74.54～100.14 mg·kg-1.结论 PQ属于中等毒农药,♀小鼠更敏感.     

Developmental toxicity study of chlorpyrifos in rats

Chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl-O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl)-phosphorothioate) was evaluated for potential developmental toxicity. Groups of 30 bred female Fischer 344 rats were given 0, 5, 15, and 25mg/kg per day by gavage on gestation days 6-15; the fetuses were evaluated on gestation day 21. Clinical signs of toxicity attributed to chlorpyrifos were noted in dams receiving 15 and 25mg/kg per day. Maternal effects in these groups also included depressed body weight and acetylcholinesterase activity. Fetal weight and viability were decreased, and fetal death and early resorption were increased at the 25mg/kg per day maternal dose. Visceral, skeletal, and external variations were also increased in this group. Chlorpyrifos showed fetotoxic and teratogenic effects at a maternal dose of 25mg/kg per day, a dose that also produced maternal toxicity.     

Inhibition of the acute toxicity of methyl chloride in male B6C3F1 mice by glutathione depletion

Previous data have demonstrated that methyl chloride (MeCl) is toxic to B6C3F1 mice under both acute and chronic exposure conditions, and that conjugation of MeCl with glutathione (GSH) is a key step in the metabolism of MeCl. This study examined the role of GSH in mediating the acute toxicity of MeCl to liver, kidney, and brain of male B6C3F1 mice. The lethal effects of a single 6-hr inhalation exposure of B6C3F1 males to 2500 ppm MeCl were completely prevented by pretreatment with the GSH synthesis inhibitor, L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (4 mmol L-BSO/kg, ip 1.5 hr prior to MeCl exposure). GSH levels (measured as nonprotein sulfhydryl) in liver and kidney were depleted to 19 and 25% of control values, respectively, at the start of the exposure; the ratio of dead/exposed mice during the 18-hr postexposure declined from 14/15 mice to 0/10. Also, the LC50 for MeCl increased from 2200 to 3200 ppm in male mice pretreated with BSO. The hepatic toxicity of MeCl was detected by increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in serum 18 hr after a 6-hr exposure to 1500 ppm MeCl (2147 +/- 1327 IU/liter vs 46 +/- 6 in controls). Liver toxicity was inhibited when B6C3F1 males were depleted of GSH prior to MeCl exposure by BSO pretreatment (43 +/- 2), fasting (100 +/- 47), or injection of diethyl maleate (42 +/- 16). The effects of GSH depletion on MeCl toxicity to brain and kidney were determined in B6C3F1 males exposed to 1500 ppm MeCl 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks, with and without daily pretreatment with 2 mmol L-BSO/kg. This dose of BSO depleted hepatic and renal GSH by 28 and 60%, respectively, at the start of MeCl exposure. BSO-pretreated mice were protected from the central nervous system toxicity of MeCl, as assessed by microscopic examination of the granule cell layer of the cerebellum. BSO pretreatment also inhibited the renal toxicity of MeCl as measured by incorporation of [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) into renal DNA, an indicator of cell regeneration after cortical necrosis. [3H]TdR incorporation was 105 +/- 10,337 +/- 40, and 60 +/- 15 dpm/microgram DNA in nonexposed controls, MeCl, and MeCl + BSO treatment groups, respectively. These results indicate that GSH is an important component in the toxicity of MeCl to multiple organ systems in B6C3F1 mice. Reaction of MeCl with GSH appears to constitute a mechanism of toxication, contrary to the role usually proposed for GSH in detoxifying xenobiotics.     

Identification of mechanisms involved in the acute airway toxicity induced by parathion

Organophosphates are still widely used worldwide and cause thousands of intoxications every year. In this work we investigated the mechanisms of parathion (Pth) airway toxicity, using biochemical and functional approaches. A plethysmographic technique for unrestrained guinea pigs was used to analyze Pth-induced modifications of airway mechanics and responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh: 0.1-3.2 mg/ml, 2-min inhalation each dose). The isolated perfused rabbit lung preparation was used to study the acute effects of Pth on airway responsiveness to ACh (10(-8)-10(-3) M), histamine (10(-8)-10(-3) M) and substance P (10(-10)-10(-6) M), pulmonary acetylcholinesterase inhibition and cytochrome P450 (P450) activity, and their modifications with previous administration of Pth (1 mg/kg s.c. daily, 7 days). We found that: (1) In guinea pigs Pth (3.2-17 mg/kg i.p.) produced a dose-dependent increase in a lung resistance index (iRL), which was greatly reverted (approximately 50%) by salbutamol (2 mg/ml, 2-min inhalation, or 10 microg/kg i.p.). This salbutamol effect was transient (5-10 min), suggesting that this bronchodilator triggered additional obstructive mechanisms. (2) Pth increased the water content in lung parenchyma samples, but not in trachea or bronchi, and augmented the respiratory secretions measured through monosaccharide content in bronchoalveolar lavage. (3) The increase in iRL was greater in female animals, probably due to a higher P450 basal activity, and completely blocked by pharmacological inhibition of P450 with piperonyl butoxide (500 mg/kg i.p.). (4) In male guinea pigs a subclinical dose of Pth (10 mg/kg i.p.) induced airway hyperresponsiveness to ACh. In isolated perfused rabbit lung Pth (10(-6) M) produced airway hyperresponsiveness to ACh and histamine, the latter prevented by atropine (10(-5) M). (5) Repetitive exposure to subclinical doses (1 mg/kg s.c.) of Pth during 1 week caused approximately 80% inhibition of P450 activity in rabbits, which was not enough, however, to prevent the functional manifestation of Pth toxicity in the airways.     

Dissociation between maternal and fetal toxicity of methyl isocyanate in mice and rats

The contribution of maternal hormonal changes and pulmonary damage on the fetal toxicity of methyl isocyanate (MIC) was studied in mice and rats. Exposure to MIC decreased maternal plasma progesterone levels in mice that lost but not in mice that retained pregnancy. Fetal toxicity of MIC was not related to changes in maternal plasma corticosterone levels. Neither chronic administration of progesterone nor the suppression of pulmonary edema with dexamethasone decreased fetal toxicity of MIC. Embryos exposed in utero or in vitro to MIC vapor exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease in growth in culture. An acute dose (3 mmol/kg) of the MIC metabolites (methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, dimethyl urea) did not exert fetal toxicity. These data suggest that the fetal toxicity of MIC is partly independent of maternal toxicity and may result from its transfer across the placenta and interaction with fetal tissues.     

Evaluating acute toxicity of methyl parathion application in constructed wetland mesocosms

Wetland ecosystems have reduced ambient levels of various organic and metallic compounds, although their effectiveness on agricultural pesticides is not well documented. Five stations within each of two 10 x 50 m constructed wetlands (two vegetated, two nonvegetated) were selected to measure the fate and effects of methyl parathion (MeP). Following a simulated storm event (0.64 cm of rainfall), aqueous, sediment, and plant samples were collected and analyzed spatially (5, 10, 20, and 40 m from the inlet) and temporally (after 3-10 days) for MeP concentrations and for the impact of those concentrations on the aquatic fauna. Aqueous toxicity to fish decreased spatially and temporally in the vegetated mesocosm. Pimephales promelas survival was significantly reduced, to 68%, at the 10-m station of the nonvegetated wetlands (3 h postapplication), with pesticide concentrations averaging 9.6 microg MeP/L. Ceriodaphnia in both the vegetated and nonvegetated wetlands was sensitive (i.e., a significant acute response to MeP occurred) to pesticide concentrations through 10 days postapplication. Mean MeP concentrations in water ranged from 0.5 to 15.4 microg/L and from 0.1 to 27.0 microg/L in the vegetated and nonvegetated wetlands, respectively. Hyalella azteca aqueous tests resulted in significant mortality in the 5-m vegetated segment 10 days after exposure to MeP (2.2 microg/L). Solid-phase (10-day) sediment toxicity tests showed no significant reduction in Chironomus tentans survival or growth, except for the sediments sampled 3 h postapplication in the nonvegetated wetland (65% survival). Thereafter, midge survival averaged >87% in sediments sampled from both wetlands. These data suggest that wetlands play a significant role in mitigating the effect of MeP exposure in sensitive aquatic biota.     

阿司咪唑对小鼠心脏的急性毒性研究

目的通过观察小鼠心电图的变化,研究阿司咪唑对心脏的急性毒性,了解其致心律失常的类型,推测其致心律失常的机制.方法用不同剂量的阿司咪唑对小鼠灌胃,分别记录不同时间的心电图变化.结果阿司咪唑使多数小鼠心率减慢,P-R间期和Q-T间期延长,随剂量增加,甚至可引起完全性房室传导阻滞和窦性停搏.少数情况也会出现窦性、室性心动过速等快速性心律失常.结论阿司咪唑可引起小鼠多型性心律失常,其中以缓慢性心律失常为主,并呈剂量依赖性.     

2-甲氧基雌二醇对小鼠急性毒性研究

目的:观察2-甲氧基雌二醇(2-methoxyestradiol,2-ME)灌胃给药的小鼠急性毒性反应。方法:经预试确定按最大给药量法设计试验,小鼠40只,♀♂各半,随机分为给药组和阴性对照组,给药组以2-ME2 000 mg.kg-1为最大给药剂量,40mL.kg-1为最大给药容量,在24 h内一次灌胃,阴性对照组以等容积的纯化水一次灌胃,给药后自由饮食饮水,连续2周观察小鼠体质量、行为活动以及死亡情况。结果:给药组小鼠观察期间内体质量及行为活动异常无变化,未见死亡。结论:2-ME灌胃给药对小鼠急性毒性甚低,提示该药为低毒化学物。     

Developmental toxicity evaluation of inhaled tertiary amyl methyl ether in mice and rats

This evaluation was part of a much more comprehensive testing program to characterize the mammalian toxicity potential of the gasoline oxygenator additive tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), and was initiated upon a regulatory agency mandate. A developmental toxicity hazard identification study was conducted by TAME vapor inhalation exposure in two pregnant rodent species. Timed-pregnant CD(Sprague-Dawley) rats and CD-1 mice, 25 animals per group, inhaled TAME vapors containing 0, 250, 1500 or 3500 ppm for 6 h a day on gestational days 6-16 (mice) or 6-19 (rats). The developmental toxicity hazard potential was evaluated following the study design draft guidelines and end points proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Based on maternal body weight changes during pregnancy, the no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was 250 ppm for maternal toxicity in rats and 1500 ppm for developmental toxicity in rats using the criterion of near-term fetal body weights. In mice, more profound developmental toxicity was present than in rats, at both 1500 and 3500 ppm. At the highest concentration, mouse litters revealed more late fetal deaths, significantly reduced fetal body weights per litter and increased incidences of cleft palate (classified as an external malformation), as well as enlarged lateral ventricles of the cerebrum (a visceral variation). At 1500 ppm, mouse fetuses also exhibited an increased incidence of cleft palate and the dam body weights were reduced. Therefore, the NOAEL for the mouse maternal and developmental toxicity was 250 ppm under the conditions of this study.     

Assessment of the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin to Heteropneustes fossilis and their impact on acetylcholinesterase activity

In the present study, the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate, OP) and cypermethrin (a pyrethroid) pesticides was estimated for 96?h in Heteropneustes fossilis. The LC₅₀ for chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin was found to be 1.90?mg/L and 0.085?mg/L, respectively. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) activity in Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to both the insecticides was assayed in brain, muscle and gills. In general, tissue specific as well as dose-dependent decrease in the AChE activity was exhibited by both pesticides. In response to the increasing concentrations of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin as well, a significant decrease in the activity of AChE was found in brain while muscle and gills exhibited lesser inhibition. Thus, the brain was the main target organ for both insecticides, followed by muscle and gills. Between the two pesticides chlorpyrifos acted as more potent AChE inhibitor than cypermethrin since more intense changes in behavioral pattern was observed with the chlorpyrifos. These changes indicate that the effects of these pesticides are at neural as well as neuromuscular level.     

The combined toxicity assessment of carp (Cyprinus carpio) acetylcholinesterase activity by binary mixtures of chlorpyrifos and four other insecticides

Mixtures of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides are commonly detected in freshwater habitats. These insecticides inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and have potential to interfere with behaviors that may be essential for survival of species. Although the effects of individual anticholinesterase insecticides on aquatic species have been studied for decades, the combined toxicity of mixtures is still poorly understood. In the present study, we assessed whether pesticides in a mixture act in isolation (resulting in additive AChE inhibition) or whether components interact to produce either antagonistic or synergistic toxicity. Brain AChE inhibition in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) exposed to a series of concentrations of the OP (chlorpyrifos, malathion and triazophos) as well as the CB (fenobucarb and carbosulfan) were measured. The concentration addition (CA) model and the isobole method were used to determine whether toxicological responses to binary mixtures of pesticides. In 50:50 % effect mixtures, the observed combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and malathion was significantly higher than observed and was considered as synergistic. For equivalent dose mixtures, when chlorpyrifos mixed with fenobucarb or malathion, the observed toxicities were significantly higher than predicted, suggesting synergistic joint actions. The rest five binary combinations exhibited concentration additive or slight antagonistic joint actions. The CA model and the isobole method provided estimates of mixture toxicity that did not markedly underestimate the measured toxicity, therefore these methods are suitable to use in ecological risk assessments of pesticide mixtures.     

Studies on the mechanism of acute toxicity of nitriles in mice

Acute toxicity and metabolism of 21 nitriles in mice were studied in relation to their chemical structures. All the test nitriles liberated cyanide ions both in vivo and in vitro, with the exception of benzonitrile, although the extent of liberation and the effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) pretreatment on the mortality of animals differed among nitriles. From these results, test compounds were tentatively divided into three groups. In group 1 (13 compounds), acute toxicity was greatly reduced by CCl₄ pretreatment, in group 2 (seven compounds), toxicity was not significantly changed or was somewhat enhanced, and in group 3, benzonitrile only, toxicity was clearly enhanced. The amount of cyanide was higher (0.68–0.80 g CN/g brain) at death in the brains of mice given group-1 compounds, the level being comparable to that found in mice killed by dosing with potassium cyanide. After oral doses of each nitrile, the time course for cyanide levels in the liver varied among the compounds. The difference between group-1 and -2 compounds lay in the dose-cyanide liberation relationship in liver, and in the kinetics for cyanide liberation in the hepatic microsomal enzyme system. Double-reciprocal plots of enzyme activity showed a linear relationship for nitriles of group 1 and a non-linear one for group 2. The relationship between log (1/LD₅₀) and log P for the compounds in group 1 fitted a parabolic plot, while that for compounds in group 2 was linear.     

The toxicity of tetrahydrobiopterin: acute and subchronic studies in mice

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is presently being employed in clinical trials for the therapy of various neurological disorders. The toxicity of BH4 in mice was analyzed by acute and subchronic intraperitoneal and acute oral survival studies. Organ weight analysis and histopathology were performed after acute and subchronic i.p. administration. The effect of probenecid on BH4 toxicity was also tested. An LD50 of approximately 260 mg/kg was obtained from acute (14-day) intraperitoneal survival studies. A dose-dependent increase in kidney weights and histopathologic evidence of acute toxic tubular necrosis were noted in acute i.p. studies. Acute oral administration of up to 1318 mg/kg BH4 did not cause any significant morbidity or mortality, nor did subchronic (92-day) i.p. administration of 10 or 50 mg/kg BH4. Probenecid pretreatment did not decrease the toxicity of BH4. The importance of further evaluation of the potential toxicity of tetrahydrobiopterin in clinical utilization is emphasized.     

The acute toxicity of butylated hydroxytoluene and its metabolites in mice

The acute toxicity of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and four of its metabolites, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien- 1-one(BHT-OOH), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien- 1-one(BHT-OH), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (DBQ), and 2,6-di-tert- butyl-4-[(methylthio)methyl] phenol (BHT-SCH₃) was studied in young male mice following intraperitoneal administration. The i.p. LD₅₀ values of BHT, BHT-OOH, BHT-OH, DBQ, and BHT-SCH₃ were 3550,190, above 1600, 2270, and 1840 $\text{mg}\text{kg}$, respectively. These results suggest that BHT-OOH probably is the most toxic metabolite of BHT.