Revealing nitrogenous VX metabolites and the whole-molecule VX metabolism in the urine of guinea pigs

VX, a well-known organophosphorus nerve agent (OPNA), poses a significant threat to public safety if employed by terrorists. Obtaining complete metabolites is critical to unequivocally confirm its alleged use/exposure and elucidate its whole-molecular metabolism. However, the nitrogenous VX metabolites containing 2-diisopropylaminoethyl moiety from urinary excretion remain unknown. Therefore, this study applied a newly developed untargeted workflow platform to discover and identify them using VX-exposed guinea pigs as animal models. 2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (DiPSA) was revealed as a novel nitrogenous VX metabolite in urine, and 2-(Diisopropylaminoethyl) methyl sulfide (DAEMS) was confirmed as another in plasma, indicating that VX metabolism differed between urine and plasma. It is the first report of a nitrogenous VX metabolite in urine and a complete elucidation of the VX metabolic pathway. DiPSA was evaluated as an excellent VX exposure biomarker. The whole-molecule VX metabolism in urine was characterized entirely for the first time via the simultaneous quantification of DiPSA and two known P-based biomarkers. About 52.1% and 32.4% of VX were excreted in urine as P-based and nitrogenous biomarkers within 24 h. These findings provide valuable insights into the unambiguous detection of OPNA exposure/intoxication and human and environmental exposure risk assessment.

Detection of Pesticides and Metabolites Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): Acephate

A protocol created for acephate detection on particulates and vapors surrounding farmworkers as well as in urine samples is reported. Acephate is detected to the low parts-per-billion (ppb) range using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Optimal SERS sensor metal choice and post-production treatments to improve sensor stability in aqueous solutions containing acephate are presented. Acephate is detected in the vapor phase and can be differentiated from urine components and structurally similar pesticides, including the acephate metabolite-degradation product methamidophos. Protocol evaluation and preliminary field tests from North Carolina farms are discussed.

Comparison of high-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of nerve agent metabolites in urine

RATIONALE

Although use is prohibited, concerns remain for human exposure to nerve agents during decommissioning, research, and warfare. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was compared to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis for the quantitation of five urinary metabolites specific to VX, Russian VX, soman, sarin and cyclosarin nerve agents. The HRMS method was further evaluated for qualitative screening of metabolites not included in the test panel.

METHODS

Nerve agent metabolites were extracted from urine using solid-phase extraction, separated using hydrophilic interaction chromatography and analyzed using both tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometry. MS/MS results were obtained using selected reaction monitoring with unit resolution; HRMS results were obtained using a mass extraction window of 10 ppm at a mass resolution of 50 000. The benchtop Orbitrap HRMS instrument was operated in full scan mode, to measure the presence of unexpected nerve agent metabolites.

RESULTS

The assessment of two quality control samples demonstrated high accuracy (99.5-104%) and high precision (2-9%) for both HRMS and MS/MS. Sensitivity, as described by the limit of detection, was overlapping for both detectors (0.2-0.7 ng/mL). Additionally, the HRMS method positively confirmed the presence of a nerve agent metabolite, not included in the test panel, using the accurate mass and relative retention time.

CONCLUSIONS

The precision, accuracy, and sensitivity were comparable between the current MS/MS method and this newly developed HRMS analysis for five nerve agent metabolites. HRMS showed additional capabilities beyond the current method by confirming the presence of a metabolite not included in the test panel.

High-throughput sample preparation for the quantitation of acephate, methamidophos, omethoate, dimethoate, ethylenethiourea, and propylenethiourea in human urine using 96-well-plate automated extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Acephate, methamidophos, o-methoate, and dimethoate are organophosphorus pesticides, and ethylenethiouria and propylenethiourea are two metabolites from the bisdithiocarbamate fungicide family. They are some of the most widely used pesticides and fungicides in agriculture both domestically and abroad. The existing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for the measurement of these compounds in human urine was improved by using a 96-well plate format sample preparation; the use of HPLC-MS/MS was comparable with a concentration range of 0.125 to 50 ng/ml. Deuterium-labeled acephate, ethylenethiouria, and methamidophos were used as internal standards. The sample preparation procedure, in the 96-well format with a 0.8-ml urine sample size, uses lyophilization of samples, followed by extraction with dichloromethane. The analytes were chromatographed on a Zorbax SB-C3 (4.6 × 150 mm, 5.0-μm) column with gradient elution by using 0.1% formic acid in aqueous solution (solvent A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (solvent B) mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Quantitative analysis was performed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source in positive ion mode using multiple-reaction monitoring of the precursor-to-product ion pairs for the analytes on a TSQ Quantum Ultra HPLC-MS/MS. Repeated analyses of urine samples spiked with high (15 ng/ml), medium (5 ng/ml), and low (1 ng/ml) concentrations of the analytes gave relative SDs of <13%. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.004-0.01 ng/ml. The method also has high accuracy, high precision, and excellent extraction recovery. Furthermore, the improved sample preparation method decreased the cost and labor required while effectively doubling the analytic throughput with minimal matrix effect.

Determinants of organophosphorus pesticide urinary metabolite levels in young children living in an agricultural community

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are used in agriculture and several are registered for home use. As young children age they may experience different pesticide exposures due to varying diet, behavior, and other factors. We measured six OP dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites (three dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAP) and three diethyl alkylphosphates (DEAP)) in urine samples collected from ∼400 children living in an agricultural community when they were 6, 12, and 24 months old. We examined bivariate associations between DAP metabolite levels and determinants such as age, diet, season, and parent occupation. To evaluate independent impacts, we then used generalized linear mixed multivariable models including interaction terms with age. The final models indicated that DMAP metabolite levels increased with age. DMAP levels were also positively associated with daily servings of produce at 6- and 24-months. Among the 6-month olds, DMAP metabolite levels were higher when samples were collected during the summer/spring versus the winter/fall months. Among the 12-month olds, DMAP and DEAP metabolites were higher when children lived ≤60 meters from an agricultural field. Among the 24-month-olds, DEAP metabolite levels were higher during the summer/spring months. Our findings suggest that there are multiple determinants of OP pesticide exposures, notably dietary intake and temporal and spatial proximity to agricultural use. The impact of these determinants varied by age and class of DAP metabolite.

Repeated pesticide exposure among North Carolina migrant and seasonal farmworkers

BACKGROUND

Limited data document the multiple and repeated pesticide absorption experienced by farmworkers in an agricultural season or their risk factors.

METHODS

Data were collected from 196 farmworkers four times at monthly intervals in 2007. Urine samples were tested for 12 pesticide urinary metabolites. Questionnaire data provided measures of exposure risks.

RESULTS

Farmworkers had at least one detection for many pesticide urinary metabolites; for example, 84.2% had at least one detection for acephate, 88.8% for 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol. Most farmworkers had multiple detections for specific metabolites; for example, 64.8% had two or more detections for acephate, 64.8% for 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, 79.1% for 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, and 86.7% for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Housing type had a consistent significant association with metabolite detections.

CONCLUSIONS

Farmworkers are exposed to multiple pesticides across an agricultural season, and they experience repeated exposures to the same pesticides. Reducing farmworker pesticide exposure and delineating the health outcomes of this exposure require more detailed data. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:802-813, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Method for determination of acephate, methamidophos, omethoate, dimethoate, ethylenethiourea and propylenethiourea in human urine using high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Because of increasing concern about widespread use of insecticides and fungicides, we have developed a highly sensitive analytical method to quantify urine-specific urinary biomarkers of the organophosphorus pesticides acephate, methamidophos, omethoate, dimethoate, and two metabolites from the fungicides alkylenebis-(dithiocarbamate) family: ethylenethiourea and propylenethiourea. The general sample preparation included lyophilization of the urine samples followed by extraction with dichloromethane. The analytical separation was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and detection by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis. Two different Thermo-Finnigan (San Jose, CA, USA) triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, a TSQ 7,000 and a TSQ Quantum Ultra, were used in these analyses; results are presented comparing the method specifications of these two instruments. Isotopically labeled internal standards were used for three of the analytes. The use of labeled internal standards in combination with HPLC-MS/MS provided a high degree of selectivity and precision. Repeated analysis of urine samples spiked with high, medium and low concentration of the analytes gave relative standard deviations of less than 18%. For all compounds the extraction efficiency ranged between 52% and 63%, relative recoveries were about 100%, and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.001-0.282 ng/ml.

Improved analysis of dialkylphosphates in urine using strong anion exchange disk extraction and in-vial derivatization

Determination of dialkylphosphates (DAPs) in urine is useful for assessing human exposure to organophosphates (OPs). An improved method for the determination of four DAPs based on a strong anion exchange (SAX) disk extraction and in-vial derivatization was presented in this study. The matrix effect of urine components such as chloride ion and phosphate ion by using a SAX disk to extract DAPs in urine analysis was carefully evaluated. It was observed that the chloride ion mainly affected the extraction of diethylphosphate (DEP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), and diethylthiophosphate (DETP) in urine. The addition of silver hydroxide could significantly improve the extraction efficiencies of these three DAPs, but it decreases the extraction efficiencies of dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP) and diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP). The LOD of this method for DMTP, DETP, DMDTP, and DEDTP are 5, 5, 11, and 5 microg/L, respectively. A pretreatment strategy for the determination of DMTP, DMDTP, DETP, and DEDTP in urine was proposed which can provide reliable and prompt determination of routine urine analysis.

Organophosphorus pesticide urinary metabolite levels of children in farmworker households in eastern North Carolina

BACKGROUND

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticide urinary metabolite levels in a sample of farmworker children in North Carolina are documented and compared to national reference data. The relative importance of para-occupational, residential, and environment risk factors are delineated.

METHODS

Urine samples were collected from 60 farmworker children 1-6 years of age, and interviews were completed by their mothers. Urine samples were analyzed for the dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites of OP pesticides. Summed molar concentrations of the diethyl and dimethyl DAP metabolites provided summary measures.

RESULTS

The farmworker children had relatively high levels of OP pesticide urinary metabolites compared to national reference data; for example, participating children had higher geometric means for diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), and the summed diethyl metabolites. However, analyses found no pattern of significant associations between predictors and metabolite levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research requires greater precision in sampling and measurement to determine the risk factors for pesticide exposure among farmworker children.

Determination of quinalphos in blood and urine by direct solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A new method based on direct solid-phase microextraction (DI-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for the purpose of determining quinalphos in blood and urine. Two types of coated fibre have been assayed and compared: carbowax/divinylbenzene (CW/DVB 65 microm) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS 100 microm). The main parameters affecting the SPME process such as temperature, salt addition, pH, stirring and adsorption/desorption time profiles were optimized to enhance the sensitivity of the procedure. The method was developed using only 100 microL of blood and urine. Limits of detection of the method for blood and urine matrices were, respectively, 10 and 2 ng/mL. Linearity was established over concentration ranges from 0.05 to 50 microg/mL for blood, and 0.01 to 50 microg/mL for urine, with regression coefficients ranging between 0.9991 and 0.9999. Intra- and interday precision values were less than 13%, and accuracy was within +/-15% of the nominal concentration for all studied levels in both matrices. Absolute recoveries were 14 and 26% for blood and urine, respectively.

Determination of acephate in human urine

Acephate is a commonly used organophosphate insecticide applied on agricultural crops and in residential communities. Because very little acephate is metabolized prior to excretion, the parent pesticide compound can be measured in human urine. The residue method must be sensitive enough to determine human exposure and potential health risk for both agricultural workers and their families who may be exposed by pesticide drift or by inadvertent carry-home residues. A reliable and sensitive method was developed to measure acephate concentrations in human urine. Urine was diluted with water and acetone, adjusted to a neutral pH, and partitioned twice in acetone-methylene chloride (1 + 1, v/v), with NaCl added to aid separation. The solvent-reduced organic phase extracts were clarified by activated charcoal solid-phase extraction and then adjusted to a final volume with the addition of a D-xylose analyte protectant solution to reduce matrix enhancement effects. Acephate concentrations in urine were determined by gas chromatography using pulsed flame photometric detection. The method limit of detection was established at 2 microg/L, with a method limit of quantitation of 10 microg/L. The average recovery from urine fortified with 10-500 microg/L was 102 +/- 12% (n = 32).

Pesticide exposure alters follicle-stimulating hormone levels in Mexican agricultural workers

Organophosphorous pesticides (OPs) are suspected of altering reproductive function by reducing brain acetylcholinesterase activity and monoamine levels, thus impairing hypothalamic and/or pituitary endocrine functions and gonadal processes. Our objective was to evaluate in a longitudinal study the association between OP exposure and serum levels of pituitary and sex hormones. Urinary OP metabolite levels were measured by gas-liquid chromatography, and serum pituitary and sex hormone levels by enzymatic immunoassay and radioimmunoassay in 64 men. A total of 147 urine and blood samples were analyzed for each parameter. More than 80% of the participants had at least one OP metabolite in their urine samples. The most frequent metabolite found was diethylthiophosphate (DETP; 55%), followed by diethylphosphate (DEP; 46%), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP; 32%), and dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP; 31%). However, the metabolites detected at higher concentrations were DMTP, DEP, DMDTP, and dimethylphosphate. There was a high proportion of individuals with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations outside the range of normality (48%). The average FSH serum levels were higher during the heavy pesticide spraying season. However, a multivariate analysis of data collected in all periods showed that serum FSH levels were negatively associated with urinary concentrations of both DMTP and DMDTP, whereas luteinizing hormone (LH) was negatively associated with DMTP. We observed no significant associations between estradiol or testosterone serum levels with OP metabolites. The hormonal disruption in agricultural workers presented here, together with results from experimental animal studies, suggests that OP exposure disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary endocrine function and also indicates that FSH and LH are the hormones most affected.

Analysis of O,S-dimethyl hydrogen phosphorothioate in urine, a specific biomarker for methamidophos

A rugged and sensitive method was developed to monitor urinary concentrations of O,S-dimethyl hydrogen phosphorothioate (O,S-DMPT), a specific biomarker of exposure to the organophosphate insecticide methamidophos. After pH adjustment and C18 solid phase extraction column cleanup, the urine was lyophilized at a low temperature to prevent loss of possibly highly volatile and unstable O,S-DMPT metabolite. The dried residue was derivatized using N-methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide and 1% tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (MTBSTFA + 1% TBDMCS) in acetonitrile. After it was filtered, the derivatized product was analyzed and quantified by gas chromatography using a pulse flame photometric detector specific for phosphorus compounds. The limit of detection for this method was 0.004 ppm with a limit of quantitation of 0.02 ppm of urine. The mean recovery value for O,S-DMPT from 17 urine samples fortified at varying concentrations was 108% with a standard deviation of 12%.

Evaluation of respiratory and cutaneous doses and urinary excretion of alkylphosphates by workers in greenhouses treated with omethoate, fenitrothion, and tolclofos-methyl

This research evaluated exposure pathways across work tasks for three organophosphate pesticides in a group of greenhouse workers. During reentry in ornamental plant greenhouses, five male workers were monitored for five consecutive days. Skin contamination (excluding hands) was evaluated with nine pads of filter paper placed on the skin. Hand contamination was assessed by washing with 95% ethanol. Respiratory exposure was evaluated by personal air sampling. The respiratory dose was based on a lung ventilation of 20 L/min. The doses absorbed were estimated assuming 10% skin penetration and 100% lung retention. Urinary alkylphosphates were assayed in the 24-hour urine samples of the days on which exposure was evaluated. Respiratory exposure was usually less than skin contamination, being 4.5 +/- 8.4%, 9.9 +/- 10.0%, and 49.5 +/- 26.6% (mean +/- standard deviation) of total exposure for omethoate, tolclofos-methyl, and fenitrothion, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that urinary alkylphosphate (nmol/24 hours) (y) was significantly correlated (r = 0.716, p < 0.001) with the respiratory doses of the three active ingredients absorbed the same day (x1) and with the cutaneous dose absorbed the previous day (x2). The relationship was expressed by the equation y = 0.592x2 + 0.117x, + 156.364. The doses of omethoate absorbed by one worker were more than 45 times the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 1.41 nmol/kg body weight (b.w.) The ADI for fenitrothion and tolclofos-methyl (10.8 and 212.6 nmol/kg body weight, respectively) were never exceeded. High absorption by one worker underlines the importance of correct use of protective clothing. In this study the hands were always a source of contact with the pesticides. Greater precautions should be taken to reduce contamination (clean gloves, constant use of gloves).

Determination of alkylmethylphosphonic acids, the main metabolites of organophosphorus nerve agents, in biofluids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid-liquid-solid-phase-transfer-catalyzed pentafluorobenzylation

A simple gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) procedure has been developed for the main metabolites of organophosphorus nerve agents, alkylmethylphosphonic acids (AMPAs; alkyl = Et, i-Pr, and pinacolyl) in biofluids via extractive pentafluorobenzylation. The derivatization was carried out under liquid-liquid-solid-phase-transfer conditions using a polymer-bound tri-n-butylmethylphosphonium bromide as a catalyst. AMPAs in aqueous samples were semiquantitatively extracted into a small-volume organic layer as their pentafluorobenzyl derivatives at pH 4.5 (85 degrees C). Sample pretreatments for urine, serum, and saliva were each examined to minimize matrix interference. The detection limits of APMAs by electron-impact ionization GC-MS were around 50 ng/mL and 2.5-10 ng/mL in the full-scan and selected-ion monitoring modes, respectively. In order to detect trace-level AMPAs, negative-ion chemical ionization (NICI) was also employed to enhance sensitivity. The detection limits of AMPAs in biofluids were typically 60 pg/mL by GC-NICI-MS.

Acephate insecticide toxicity: safety conferred by inhibition of the bioactivating carboxyamidase by the metabolite methamidophos

Acephate is an important systemic organophosphorus insecticide with toxicity attributed to bioactivation on metabolic conversion to methamidophos (or an oxidized metabolite thereof) which acts as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. The selective toxicity of acephate is considered to be due to facile conversion to methamidophos in insects but not mammals. We show in the present investigation that a carboxyamidase activates acephate in mice and in turn undergoes inhibition by the hydrolysis product, i.e., methamidophos; thus, the bioactivation is started but immediately turned off. These relationships are established by finding that 4 h pretreatment of mice with methamidophos i.p. at 5 mg/kg has the following effects on acephate action: reduces methamidophos and acephate levels in liver by 30-60% in the first 2 h after i.p. acephate dosage; inhibits the liver carboxyamidase cleaving [14CH3S]acephate to [14CH3S]methamidiphos with 50% block at approximately 1 mg/kg; strongly inhibits 14CO2 liberation from [CH3(14)C(O)]acephate in vivo; markedly alters the pattern of urinary metabolites of acephate by increasing O- and S-demethylation products retaining the carboxyamide moiety; greatly reduces the brain AChE inhibition following acephate treatment; doubles the LD50 of i.p.-administered acephate from 540 to 1140 mg/kg. Methamidophos pretreatment in rats also markedly alters the metabolism of dimethoate (another systemic insecticide) from principally carboxyamide hydrolysis to mainly other pathways. In contrast, methamidophos pretreatment of houseflies does not alter the acephate-induced toxicity and brain AChE inhibition. The safety of acephate in mammals therefore appears to be due to conversion in small part to methamidophos which, acting directly or as a metabolite, is a potent carboxyamidase inhibitor, thereby blocking further activation.

Metabolism of Cyanox in the rat. I. Absorption, disposition, excretion and biotransformation

1. To examine the metabolic fate of Cyanox [O-4-cyanophenyl O, O-dimethyl phosphorothioate, cyanophos, CYAP], rats of both sexes were administered [phenyl-4C]Cyanox as a single oral dose at levels of 0.5 mg/kg (low-dose group) or 25 mg/kg (high-dose group), or as multiple doses at 50 mg/kg/day once daily for 7 days (repeat-dose group). 2. The radiocarbon was almost completely eliminated from rats within 7 days after administration in both low- and high-dose groups. 14C-recoveries (expressed as % relative to the dosed 14C) in faeces and urine were 2-3 and 95-96% respectively for the low-dose and 13-14 and 86% respectively for the high-dose. 3. 14C-tissue residues on the seventh day after a single administration were generally low. Peak 14C-concentrations in blood and kidney occurred at 0.5 h (high-dose) and decreased rapidly thereafter. 4. Sex-related differences in the amounts of metabolites were observed in both groups. With the low-dose, the major metabolite was 4-cyanophenylsulphate in both sexes. However, in the high-dose, the major metabolites were 4-cyanophenyl sulphate and desmethylcyanoxon in males, but 4-cyanophenyl sulphate and desmethylcyanox in females. These findings indicate that the amounts or the types of enzymes responsible for oxidative desulphuration or oxidative dearylation in males are different from those in females. In the male rat given repeat doses significant differences in the amounts of metabolites in excreta were observed between early and final dosing. 5. The greater formation of desmethylcyanoxon in the male rat in the high-dose case is consistent with the higher incidence of toxicity in this sex.

Biological monitoring of exposure to organophosphorus insecticides by assay of urinary alkylphosphates: influence of protective measures during manual operations with treated plants

Biological monitoring was carried out by assaying urinary dimethylated alkylphosphates [dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP), dimethylthio-phosphate (DMTP), and dimethylphosphate (DMP)] in 11 workers exposed to chlorpyrifos-methyl and azinphosmethyl during operations in a previously sprayed peach orchard. The subjects were divided into groups on the basis of the protective clothing worn. The results were compared with those of a reference group of 99 subjects not occupationally exposed to organophosphorus insecticides. The hand-wash liquid of the workers was also analyzed to evaluate skin contamination. Significantly higher levels of urinary excretion of alkylphosphates were found in all groups than in unexposed controls (Student's t test). A good correlation was found between quantities of the active ingredients on the hands and urinary excretion of total dimethylated alkylphosphates (r = 0.788) and of DMTP (r = 0.749) and DMP (r = 0.790) alone. The correlation between azinphos-methyl on the hands and urinary excretion of DMDTP was poor (r = 0.069). Under the working conditions investigated, the main route of absorption seems to be via the skin. Respiratory absorption, however, also appears significant in view of the difference in urinary excretion of dimethylated alkylphosphates found between subjects with and without face masks.

Phenthoate metabolites in human poisoning

Five metabolites were detected in the plasma and urine of a patient following ingestion of the organophosphate insecticide, phenthoate. Intact phenthoate was detected only in gastric lavage fluid. After methylation of acidic extracts of plasma and urine, phenthoate acid, demethyl phenthoate, demethyl phenthoate oxon acid, demethyl phenthoate S-isomer, and demethyl phenthoate acid S-isomer were identified with synthesized phenthoate analogues by gas chromatography and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. The main metabolites were phenthoate acid and demethyl phenthoate oxon acid. Although demethyl phenthoate oxon acid was a significant metabolite, no phenthoate oxon, phenthoate oxon acid or demethyl phenthoate oxon were detected. If the oxon was formed in the patient, it may have been rapidly degraded by carboxylesterase or glutathione transferase to demethyl phenthoate oxon acid.

[Exposure to DMTP by sprayers and the urinary excretion of metabolites]

Exposure in vinyl hothouses to DMTP (0,0-dimethyl-s-(2-methoxy-1,3,4-thiadiazol-5(4H)-onyl-(4)-m ethyl)- dithiophosphate) was studied in 5 spray-operators and one assistant worker. To determine the level of exposure to DMTP, concentrations in the atmosphere, concentration in atmosphere near the operators breathing zone, skin levels from penetration through the operator's clothing, and urinary excretion of metabolites of DMTP (2,3-dihydro-5-methoxy-3-methyl-sulphonyl methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-one and 2,3-dihydro-5-methoxy-3-methyl-sulphinyl methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-one) were measured. The results were as follows; 1. DMTP concentrations in the atmosphere were 10.0-18.0 micrograms/m3, and concentrations in the atmosphere near the operators breathing zone were 5.4-33.6 micrograms/m3 during spraying. 2. Metabolites of DMTP were detected in all sprayers. Levels were 1.5 to 31.6 micrograms/day for the sulphonyl-metabolite. But it was not detected in the assistant sprayer. 3. Urinary concentrations of the DMTP metabolite were maximum 15-20 h after spraying. 4. Amount of DMTP adherent on the skin was estimated to be 0.4 to 71.3 micrograms for spray-operators. Variations resulted from differences in condition of protective clothing. 5. DMTP appeared to be absorbed not only through the respiratory system, but also through the skin.

Tissue distribution and urinary excretion of 14C-ethion in goats

Tissue concentration and elimination and urinary excretion were followed after intravenous injection of 14C-ethion in 12 goats. Tissue levels were determined in two goats after 8 hr and on each of days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after exposure. During the four-week period plasma and all tissues examined (liver, kidney, fat, muscle, lung, heart and brain) had detectable 14C-residues, the highest values being found in liver, kidney and fat. Elimination of 14C-residues was faster in the first 3 days than in the later part of the experiment, where the elimination half-life for most tissues was approximately 2 weeks. During the first two weeks after exposure, 77% of the administered dose was eliminated in urine (55%) and faeces (22%). TLC of urine collected over the first 15 hr after exposure showed at least 8 bands of metabolites, five of which accounted for about two thirds of the dose excreted in urine.

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of phosphorothioate analogues of oligodeoxynucleotides in biological fluids

Phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODNs) have potential as anti-viral agents and are being investigated for the chemotherapy of AIDS. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the analysis, in urine and plasma, of a 28-unit deoxycytidine homopolymer (S-dC28) and a 28-unit S-ODN "antisense" to the rev gene of the human immunodeficiency virus. This method employs ion-pairing HPLC with a polymeric column. Tetrabutylammonium is used as the ion-pairing agent in a mobile phase of acetonitrile in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer. Analysis of the S-ODNs is relatively rapid (20 min) and sensitive (20 nm) and is accomplished by a gradient elution (22.5-30.0% acetonitrile) followed by ultraviolet (266 or 272 nm) absorption detection. This method is likely applicable, with appropriate modifications, to all S-ODNs of similar molecular weight regardless of sequence. The S-ODNs bind very strongly to plasma proteins but are readily prepared for analysis by a phenol extraction procedure. In a preliminary pharmacokinetic study in mice with S-dC28, very rapid elimination of the oligomer from plasma was observed (half-time, 11.6 min). Estimates for the apparent volume of distribution and total body clearance were 3 ml and 0.2 ml/min, respectively. It appears that the majority of the oligomer is eliminated by renal clearance (glomerular filtration), a property likely shared by all S-ODNs of similar molecular mass.

Acute poisoning with methidathion: a case

An acute poisoning in a 50-year-old man who ingested approximately 6.2 g of the phosphorus ester methidathion is described. The patient was treated with three haemoperfusions 23, 44 and 115 h after ingestion, with continuous gastric lavage, atropine and pralidoxime administration and with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Haemoperfusion was an ineffective epuration technique since it removed only 0.22% of the ingested methidathion. The clinical course wavered because of a probable redistribution of phosphorus ester from fat to blood. A plasma level higher than 100 micrograms l-1 was associated with the most serious phases. Methidathion was present in the plasma until the sixth day, in the urine until the seventh and in the gastric juice until the eighth. Its absence in the fat biopsy made on the tenth day was an aid to therapy. The phosphorus ester did not inhibit lymphocyte neuropathy target esterase (NTE), neither did it induce development of delayed polyneuropathy.

Diagnostic value of urinary dialkyl phosphate measurement in goats exposed to diazinon

Recognition of exposure to diazinon, an organophosphate insecticide, was studied in goats. Urine and milk dialkyl phosphate concentrations (DETP; O,O-diethyl phosphorothionate) and blood cholinesterase activity (ChE) and diazinon concentrations were measured. Groups (n = 3 each) given (orally) diazinon at doses of 0.5 mg/kg for 7 days (small dose) or 5 mg/kg for 7 days (large dose) were compared with goats acutely exposed to single doses of 150 mg/kg (n = 1) or 700 mg/kg (n = 1). Clinical signs of intoxication occurred only in the goat given the 700 mg/kg dose. Urinary DETP concentrations were sensitive indicators of diazinon exposure and provided quantitative differences between small, large, and acute dosage exposures. Milk DETP concentrations were not detected. Cholinesterase measurement was useful only in the acute exposure studies. Whole blood diazinon concentrations were detected only in goats given the large dose for 7 days and acutely exposed. Measurement of urinary DETP was a sensitive aid for recognition of diazinon exposure.

Comparison of measurement of dialkyl phosphates in milk/urine and blood cholinesterase and insecticide concentrations in goats exposed to the organophosphate insecticide, imidan

Recognition of exposure to imidan was assessed in goats by dialkyl phosphate concentrations, blood cholinesterase (ChE) determinations, and blood imidan concentrations. Groups of three goats received 5.0 mg imidan/kg/day (low dose) or 10 mg imidan/kg/day (high dose) for 7 days orally. One goat received no imidan and one goat received an acute single dose (200 mg/kg). The urine of all treated goats was examined for the excretory dialkyl phosphates, O,O-dimethyl phosphorodithioate (DMDTP) and O,O-dimethyl phosphorothionate (DMTP). The overall mean DMDTP urinary concentration was 19.1 ppm (10-mg/kg treatment group) and 7.2 ppm (5-mg/kg treatment group). These metabolites rapidly disappeared following removal of the treatment except in those goats clinically affected. Milk contained no identifiable concentrations of dialkyl phosphates. Cholinesterase depression was observed in all imidan-treated goats, and a dose effect was observed. No imidan was detected in whole blood of either the 5- or 10-mg/kg treatment groups. Low blood concentrations (ppb) of imidan were measured in the acute single-dose exposed goat. Both urinary DMDTP and blood ChE provided recognition of imidan exposure. DMDTP, however, was immediately present in urine after exposure and provided stronger support for organophosphate exposure than did blood ChE.

Occupational exposure control by simultaneous determination of N-methylcarbamates and organophosphorus pesticide residues in human urine

On-column transesterification with methanol was applied for the gas chromatographic determination of N-methylcarbamates extracted from human urine. Transesterification conversion efficiencies of N-methylcarbamates dioxacarb, carbofuran and OMS-22, calculated from the amount of the on-column produced O-methyl-N-methylcarbamate (DMC), were 96, 77 and 76% with detection limits of 8, 10 and 10 ng, respectively. In the investigated concentration range of 0.2-3 micrograms/ml of urine the extraction efficiencies with methylene chloride were independent of the initial concentration of N-methylcarbamate added to urine samples of non-exposed persons. The recoveries and rel. S.D. were 74 +/- 11, 64 +/- 8 and 79 +/- 12% for dioxacarb, carbofuran and OMS-22, respectively. The procedure was applied for the gas chromatographic determination of carbofuran and its metabolites containing the N-methylcarbamic group extracted from urine samples of occupationally exposed persons in a pesticide formulating plant. The level of extracted N-methylcarbamates and the concentration of degradation products of organophosphorus pesticides detected in the urine of the same persons were correlated with the blood and plasma cholinesterase activities. Although the determination of DMC includes only a smaller part of the excreted N-methylcarbamate, a simultaneous determination of both carbamates and organophosphorus residues made it possible to distinguish the cause of depression in cholinesterase activity, indicating early and specifically the exposure to a particular group of agents hazardous to health.

Metabolic studies on the mechanisms of increased susceptibility of weaning rats to parathion

Equitoxic doses of 32P-parathion (1.5 mg/kg in weanlings of both sexes, 2.0 mg/kg in adult females, and 3.1 mg/kg in adult males) were given by the intravenous route to immature and adult rats in order to investigate the respective contribution of biotransformation, distribution, and excretion phenomena to the increased susceptibility of weanling rats to the acute toxic effects of parathion. At various intervals, the animals were sacrified and the amounts of parathion, paraoxon, diethylphosphorothioic acid, and diethylphosphoric acid in the liver, kidneys, tibial muscle, plasma, brain, adipose tissue, and urine were determined. In vitro metabolism of 32P-parathion by liver homogenates was also investigated. The results obtained suggest that weanlings are more susceptible to parathion than adults mainly because of deficient hepatic mechanisms for degradation of parathion and its toxic metabolite, paraoxon. In addition, the brain tissue of weanlings appears to be more sensitive to the toxic effects of paraoxon than the brain of male adults. On the other hand, the passage of parathion and paraoxon across the blood–brain barrier does not seem to be facilitated in weanlings by comparison with adults. Finally, there is no evidence that the renal handling of parathion and its metabolites might influence the acute toxicity of parathion in weanling and adult rats.