Delayed neurotoxic, late acute and cholinergic effects of S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF): subchronic (90 days) administration in hens

Inhibition of insect glutathione S-transferase (GST) by conifer extracts

Insecticide synergists biochemically inhibit insect metabolic enzyme activity and are used both to increase the effectiveness of insecticides and as a diagnostic tool for resistance mechanisms. Considerable attention has been focused on identifying new synergists from phytochemicals with recognized biological activities, specifically enzyme inhibition. Jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP.), balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), and tamarack larch (Larix laricina (Du Roi) Koch) have been used by native Canadians as traditional medicine, specifically for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties based on enzyme inhibitory activity. To identify the potential allelochemicals with synergistic activity, ethanol crude extracts and methanol/water fractions were separated by Sephadex LH-20 chromatographic column and tested for in vitro glutathione S-transferase (GST) inhibition activity using insecticide-resistant Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) midgut and fat-body homogenate. The fractions showing similar activity were combined and analyzed by ultra pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A lignan, (+)-lariciresinol 9'-p-coumarate, was identified from P. mariana cone extracts, and L. laricina and A. balsamea bark extracts. A flavonoid, taxifolin, was identified from P. mariana and P. banksiana cone extracts and L. laricina bark extracts. Both compounds inhibit GST activity with taxifolin showing greater activity compared to (+)-lariciresinol 9'-p-coumarate and the standard GST inhibitor, diethyl maleate. The results suggested that these compounds can be considered as potential new insecticide synergists.

Glutathione S-transferase conjugation of organophosphorus pesticides yields S-phospho-, S-aryl-, and S-alkylglutathione derivatives

Pesticide detoxification is a central feature of selective toxicity and safety evaluation. Two of the principal enzymes involved are GSH S-transferases (GSTs) and cytochrome P450s acting alone and together. More than 100 pesticides are organophosphorus (OP) compounds, but with few exceptions, their GSH conjugates have not been directly observed in vitro or in vivo. The major insecticides chlorpyrifos (CP) and diazinon are of particular interest as multifunctional substrates with diverse metabolites, while ClP(S)(OEt) 2 and the cotton defoliant tribufos are possible precursors of phosphorylated GSH conjugates. Formation of GSH conjugates by GST with GSH was studied in vitro with and without metabolic activation by human liver microsomes or P450 3A4 with NADPH. Metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Five GSH conjugates were identified from CP and chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO), i.e., GSCP and GSCPO in which the 6-chloro substituent of CP and CPO, respectively, is displaced by GSH; S-(3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl)glutathione; S-(3,5-dichloro-6-hydroxypyridin-2-yl)glutathione; and S-ethylglutathione. GST of a human liver microsomal preparation but not P450 3A4 with GSH metabolized CP to GSCP. With GST and GSH, diazinon and diazoxon gave S-(2-isopropyl-4-methylpyrimidin-6-yl)glutathione and ClP(S)(OEt) 2 yielded GSP(S)(OEt) 2. With microsomes, NADPH, GST, and GSH tribufos gave GSP(O)(SBu) 2. The liver of intraperitoneally treated mice contained GSCP from CP, GSP(S)(OEt) 2 from ClP(S)(OEt) 2, and GSP(O)(SBu) 2 from tribufos. GSP(S)(OEt) 2 and GSP(O)(SBu) 2 are the first S-phosphoglutathione metabolites observed in vitro and in vivo directly by LC-ESI-MS. Nine other OP pesticides gave only O-dealkylation in the GST/GSH system. GST-catalyzed metabolism joins P450s and hydrolases as important contributors to OP detoxification.

Metabolic fate of S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) in the lactating goat

1. Metabolism of [1-14C] DEF (S,S,S-1-14C-tributyl phosphorotrithioate, 1) in the lactating goat has been investigated. A goat was dosed orally by capsule on 3 consecutive days at a rate of 0.82 mg/kg body weight/day based on 25 times the maximum DEF residue anticipated in animal feed. 2. Urine and milk were collected throughout the study. The goat was killed 21 h following the last treatment, and kidney, liver and composite samples of muscle and fat were collected. The radioactive residue levels (following the three doses) were 3.45 ppm in liver, 0.35 ppm in kidney, 0.19 ppm in fat, 0.06 ppm in muscle and 0.12 ppm in milk collected at the final 16 h and prior to killing. 3. Urinary metabolic profile indicated that DEF was efficiently metabolized to many metabolites. Tissue and milk extracts also indicated that DEF was extensively metabolized. 4. DEF comprised 31 and 5% of the total radioactive residue in fat and milk, respectively. The amount of DEF in liver, kidney and muscle represented < 1% of the total radioactive residue. 5. A major metabolite, 3-hydroxybutylmethyl sulphone (HBM sulphone, UP3), was found in tissue, milk and urine. The identification of this metabolite was accomplished by a combination of MS, nmr and comparison with an authentic standard. The glucuronide (UP1) and sulphate (UP2) conjugates of HBM sulphone were found in urine, and the sulphate conjugate was a major metabolite in kidney. 6. The hydrolytic products of DEF, S,S-dibutyl phosphorodithioate (Dibufos, U16) and S-butyl phosphorothiate (Bufos, U8), were identified as minor components in urine, comprising 5 and 4% of the total radioactive residue, respectively. Butyl mercaptan was not found, but mixed disulphides of butyl mercaptan with either glutathione (U10, 3%) or N-acetyl cysteine (U13, 2%) were found. 7. Direct evidence for the incorporation of DEF residue into natural constituents was also established. Fatty acids from milk and fat were isolated and shown to be radioactive.

Brain acetylcholinesterase, acid phosphatase, and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphohydrolase and plasma butyrylcholinesterase activities in hens treated with a single dermal neurotoxic dose of S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate

The changes in brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid phosphatase (APase), and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP), and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities were investigated in hens treated with a single, dermal dose (100-1000 mg/kg) of S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF). Three control groups consisted of hens left untreated, given a single, dermal dose of 500 mg/kg tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP, positive control for organophophorous compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity), or 10 mg/kg O,O-diethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate (parathion, negative control). Brain AChE activity, determined 28 days after application, was significantly inhibited in hens given 500-1,000 mg/kg DEF and in TOCP- and parathion-treated hens. In contrast, brain APase and CNP activities were significantly higher in all treatments as compared with those of the untreated hens. Parathion, however, caused the least increase in these enzymatic activities as compared to DEF or TOCP. A single, dermal dose of DEF or TOCP also caused an initial decrease in plasma BuChE activity with maximum depression of enzymatic activity observed 1 to 7 days after administration. This decrease was dose dependent and the enzymatic activity showed partial recovery with time. Hens treated with single, dermal doses of DEF, ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg, developed ataxia which progressed to paralysis in some hens. Histopathologic examination revealed axon and myelin degeneration of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves of some hens. The severity and frequency of the neuropathologic lesions were dose dependent. Neurologic dysfunctions and neuropathologic lesions seen in DEF-treated hens were similar to those exhibited in TOCP-treated hens. While parathion produced acute cholinergic effects, it did not cause delayed neurotoxicity. The changes in brain and plasma enzymes are discussed in relation to their role in the pathogenesis of DEF-induced delayed neurotoxicity.

Induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and inhibition of brain, liver, and plasma esterases by an acute dose of S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) in the adult hen

The differential effects of oral and dermal administration of single doses of 100 to 1000 mg/kg S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) on nonspecific esterases and liver metabolism enzymes were investigated one day following administration. O,O-Diethyl O-(4-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate (parathion) and tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) were used as negative and positive controls for organophosphorus-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN). Brain acetylcholinesterase was significantly inhibited with topical doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of DEF and with orally and dermally applied parathion. Plasma cholinesterase and liver microsomal carboxylesterase activities were significantly reduced from control in all treatment groups. Neurotoxic esterase (NTE) was significantly decreased from control with topical dosing of 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg DEF and with TOCP treatments. Oral doses of DEF increased cytochrome P-450 content by 70 to 200% while dermal application caused a 200 to 325% increase over control. p-Chloro-N-methylaniline demethylase was also increased by DEF treatments but to a lesser extent than that of aniline hydroxylase or cytochrome P-450 content. TOCP and parathion had no significant effect on liver microsomal oxidative enzymes. Liver microsomal proteins from hens treated with phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), or DEF were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A striking increase in a 49K protein band in microsomes from PB and DEF (616 and 338%, respectively) treated hens was seen, while the 55K protein band showed an 861% increase in microsomes from 3MC-treated hens. In conclusion, dermally applied DEF was more effective in inhibiting esterases and inducing cytochrome P-450 than orally administered DEF; toxicity was directly related to the dose and route of administration.

Percutaneous toxicity and delayed neurotoxicity of organophosphates in the scaleless hen

The acute toxicity of tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) and the development of delayed neurotoxicity were characterized in the scaleless hen, a featherless mutant, and compared to the responses observed in normally feathered birds. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was comparable between scaleless and normal hens, but nonspecific cholinesterase (ChE) activities of brain and plasma were significantly higher in scaleless birds. The acute ID50 of TOCP for plasma ChE activity was 690 mg/kg for scaleless birds and 240 mg/kg for normal ones following sc administration. However, there was no difference in the ID50 for plasma ChE activity between normal and scaleless hens treated sc with the active metabolite of TOCP, 2-(o-cresyl)-4H-1:3:2-benzodioxaphosphoran-2-one, or parathion. The onset of clinical signs of delayed neurotoxicity in scaleless birds was 8 to 14 days after sc or dermal treatment with TOCP and caused typical axonal fragmentation in the sciatic nerve. Plasma creatine phosphokinase activity was significantly increased following the onset of delayed neurotoxicity in both lines of birds. Dermal application of TOCP to a 50-cm2 area on the backs of scaleless hens inhibited plasma ChE activity in a dose-related manner (ID50 = 115 mg/kg), and the lowest dose of TOCP, 114 mg/kg, did not produce delayed neurotoxicity. The results show that the scaleless hen can be used to determine a no-observable effect level for delayed neurotoxicity which regulatory agencies could use to extrapolate a safe level of human dermal exposure to organophosphates that produce delayed neurotoxicity.

Coumaphos: delayed neurotoxic effect following dermal administration in hens

This study reports the differential neurotoxic effects of coumaphos [O,O-diethyl O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7-coumarinyl) phosphorothioate] when applied orally or dermally in the adult hen. Dermal administration of single (50-500 mg/kg) or daily (100 mg/kg) doses resulted in delayed neurotoxicity in hens, similar to that caused by other delayed neurotoxic organophosphorus compounds. Coumaphos caused loss of weight and produced ataxia, which progressed to paralysis and death. Degeneration of axons and myelin in the spinal cord was the most consistent histopathologic alteration and was identical to that reported for other delayed neurotoxic organophosphorus esters. Only one hen showed peripheral nerve degeneration. Oral administration of a single 100 mg/kg dose or daily doses of 10 mg coumaphos caused severe acute toxicity and killed all treated hens 1-8 d. These hens did not develop delayed neurotoxicity. Some hens given a single oral 50-mg/kg dose or daily 5-mg/kg doses of coumaphos recovered from the initial cholinergic effect and developed clinical signs of delayed neurotoxicity. These hens, however, improved with time and did not show unequivocal nervous-tissue damage at termination.

Effect of multiple diisopropyl fluorophosphate injections in hens: a behavioral, biochemical, and histological investigation

Delayed neurotoxicity after acute administration of organophosphates to hens can be predicted by using the neurotoxic esterase (NTE) assay. The present study was designed to compare results obtained with the assay after single or multiple diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) injections in hens. Adult White Leghorn hens were given DFP in a single (1.0 mg/kg) or in multiple (0.05 mg/kg . d for 20 d) sc injections. Walking behavior was measured and both groups showed significant impairment by d 5 after the first or only DFP injection. However, impairment at the end of the study was greater in hens given a single injection of 1.0 mg/Kg. All DFP-treated hens exhibited axonal degeneration in brains, spinal cords, and peripheral nerves, and the changes in the two groups were of equal severity. Cervical and thoracic spinal cord lesions in hens given multiple DFP injections appeared to be primarily restricted to the myelinated spinocerebellar tracts. Inhibition of NTE was measured in brains, spinal cords, ilea, and thymuses 24 h after the single injection of 1.0 mg/kg DFP or after the 20th injection of 0.05 mg/kg DFP in additional hens. The NTE inhibition was significantly greater in all four tissues in the group given DFP as a single treatment. NTE in nerve and nonnerve tissues appeared to be differentially affected by single and multiple DFP treatments. Walking impairment and NTE inhibition were more marked when DFP was given in a single rather than 20 daily injections. However, in hens given multiple DFP injections the severity of central and peripheral nerve lesions was greater than was expected from the clinical and biochemical results.