Degradation of ethylenethiourea on lettuces

The rates of uptake and loss of ethylenethiourea (ETU) in lettuces were studied following the application of ethylenethiourea or selected ethylenebisdithiocarbamate fungicides to the soil or to the leaves of potgrown plants. Analyses were carried out using high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of ETU. The amounts of ETU residues on leaves decreased rapidly and were negligible within a week, unless ethylenebisdithiocarbamate fungicides had been applied to the soil, as the latter were degraded simultaneously to give additional ETU which was then taken up by the plants.     

The determination of trace levels of ethylenethiourea

All currently utilized herbicides have been identified by random screening and related compounds developed by subsequent imitative chemistry. Little success has as yet been achieved by rational design. Ideas for herbicide design are discussed in relationship to enzyme inhibition, enzyme regulation and the accumulation of toxic metabolites. A number of herbicides in current use function either by promoting the formation of toxic radicals or by inhibiting protective systems. There is scope for the development of protective enzyme inhibitors, as well as the modulation of other scavenging systems. Natural or synthetic photosensitizers as well as a number of allelopathic chemicals could be used as herbicides. Herbicide selectivity could be investigated by the selective inhibition of C⁴ photosynthesis enzymes, by a detailed examination of enzyme diversity, or by the modulation of mono-oxygenase enzymes or glutathione conjugation.     

Determination of imidazolidine-2-thione (ethylenethiourea) in ethylenebisdithiocarbamate formulations

Zineb was most seriously contaminated with imidazolidine-2-thione (ethylenethiourea; ETU), followed by mancozeb, and maneb. The type of formulation also affects ETU generation and a wettable powder produced ETU more easily than a flowable formulation. The ETU contents of the ethylene-bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) mixed fungicides formulations were erratic. Low ETU contents were found in EBDC mixed fungicides, even though some samples had been stored in the laboratory for five years. The cupric ion and the N, O-containing group of other fungicides might have a stabilizing effect on the degradation of EBDC to ETU. The survey indicated that EBDC mixed formulations could be a useful means of suppressing ETU generation in commercial products.     

Preliminary survey of ethylenethiourea residues in the Canadian food supply, 1972.

A preliminary monitoring program was initiated in 1972 to determine ethylenethiourea (ETU) content of the Canadian food supply. Of 167 samples analyzed, 90 were domestic and 77 were imported. Samples were analyzed by electron-capture/gas-liquid chromatography. Thirty-three percent of the samples contained detectable ECU residues; most of these were 0.020 ppm or less. Highest levels, 0.047 and 0.083 ppm, were found in canned spinish and orange peel respectively.     

The effects of DDT and dieldrin on rat peritoneal macrophages

The effects of DDT and dieldrin on cell population, viability, and phagocytic activity on the rat peritoneal macrophages were studied. It was observed that both pesticides, at low levels of concentration, exhibited a marked effect on this cell type. At the lowest concentrations tested both pesticides produced an increase in the macrophage population which appeared to be the result of a foreign-body response. At higher concentrations of pesticide this foreign-body response appears to be inhibited. The phagocytic activity of the cells steadily decreased as the concentration of the pesticide administered increased, and a decrease in cell viability with increased pesticide exposure was also noted.     

Protective effects of Nigella sativa oil on propoxur-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rat brain regions

Propoxur (PPr) is a widely used broad spectrum carbamate insecticide mainly used to control household pests. Because of the widespread use of pesticides for domestic and industrial applications, evaluation of their neurotoxic effects is of major concern to public health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), an antioxidant agent, against PPr-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in different brain regions of rats including cerebellum, cortex and hippocampus. In the present study, 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was allocated as the control group. Groups 2-4 were orally administered 1 ml/kg/bw/day NSO, 8.51 mg/kg/bw/day PPr or NSO plus PPr, respectively, for 30 days. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC) and acetylcholine esterase activity (AChE) were determined. Enzymatic antioxidant activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] and non-enzymatic antioxidants [reduced glutathione (GSH)] were determined. PPr treatment significantly increased the levels of LPO, PCC and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in brain regions. On the contrary, levels of GSH and the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GST and AChE were significantly decreased. NSO treatment to PPr intoxicated rats restored such biochemical parameters to within control levels except GST activity, emphasizing its antioxidant role. We conclude that NSO significantly reduces PPr-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rat brain regions via a free radicals scavenging mechanism.     

The control of Plasmopara viticola with the 1:1 complex of zineb with 2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethanol and the potential effect of the use of this complex on ethylenethiourea residues

Zineb 1:1 complex with 2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethanol was shown to be more active than zineb in glasshouse and field trials against Plasmopara viticola. The effects of this increase in efficacy on the potential reduction of ethylenethiourea residues are discussed.     

Comparative effects of organophosphorus insecticides on the activities of acetylcholinesterase,diacylglycerol kinase,and phosphatidylinositol phosphodiesterase in rat brain microsomes

The activities of acetylcholinesterase, diacylglycerol kinase, and phosphatidylinositol phosphodiesterase in rat brain microsomes were measured in the presence and absence of the organophosphorus insecticides, parathion and diazinon, and their respective oxon analogs, paraoxon and diazoxon. Marked inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (by 45–99%) was observed in the presence of paraoxon (10^?2–10^?6M) and diazoxon (10^?2–10^?4M). Reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity (by 22–33%) was achieved with the parent insecticides at high concentrations only (10^?2M). In most cases, diacylglycerol kinase was insensitive to the pesticides. Marked stimulation of phosphatidylinositol phosphodiesterase (by 10–57%) was observed in the presence of all pesticides (10^?2–10^?3M). The phosphodiesterase exhibited slightly greater sensitivity to the parent compounds compared to the oxon derivatives. Stimulation of the phosphodiesterase by the insecticides was not correlated with acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Accordingly, the increase in phosphodiesterase activity was judged not to be acetylcholine mediated, but rather represented a direct effect of the pesticides on the enzyme or its microenvironment. Based on the present in vitro observations, it is proposed that certain organophosphorus pesticides may interfere with the normal process of synaptic transmission through both the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and the stimulation of phosphatidylinositol phosphodiesterase. In view of the high concentrations of pesticides required to elicit the latter effect, interpretation of its physiological significance must await results from further studies performed in vivo.     

Subacute chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes and the protective effects of catechin and quercetin

This study examined the effects of chlorpyrifos in the rat erythrocyte antioxidant system and evaluated the ameliorating effects of catechin and quercetin on the oxidative damage induced by chlorpyrifos. Sexually mature male Wistar rats were given chlorpyrifos (5.4 mg/kg, 1/25 of the oral LD₅₀), catechin (20 mg/kg), quercetin (20 mg/kg), catechin plus chlorpyrifos, and quercetin plus chlorpyrifos daily via gavage for four weeks. No statistical differences were found in the catechin-only and quercetin-only groups compared with the control group. By the end of the fourth week, chlorpyrifos alone increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities compared with the control group in rat erythrocytes. In the catechin-plus-chlorpyrifos and quercetin-plus-chlorpyrifos groups, there were statistically significantly decreased MDA levels and increased SOD, CAT, and GPx activities compared with the chlorpyrifos-only group. Thus, it appears that catechin and quercetin ameliorate chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes in vivo.     

Biochemical evidence on positive effects of rolipram a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor in malathion-induced toxic stress in rat blood and brain mitochondria

Malathion is an organophosphate (OP) pesticide that has been shown to induce oxidative stress in brain through the generation of free radicals and alteration of the cellular antioxidant defense system independent of its anticholinesterase effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of rolipram as a selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 inhibitor, on toxicity of malathion, by measuring the activities of brain mitochondrial and plasma peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats. Effective doses of malathion (200 mg/kg/day) and rolipram (200 μg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination for 7 days by intraperitoneal injection. At the end of the experiment, the brain mitochondria and plasma of the animals were separated. In the brain cells mitochondria and blood plasma, the LPO, ONOO⁻, and GPx were higher in the malathion group as compared with controls. Rolipram ameliorated all of malathion-induced changes. Plasma CAT decreased in malathion-treated animals while it increased in brain mitochondria comparing with controls. Co-administration of rolipram with malathion improved CAT in both brain mitochondria and plasma. Malathion and rolipram did not alter total SOD or Mn-SOD in the plasma while both caused a significant elevation in brain mitochondria. In conclusion, this model of study that we employed, in a large extent, characterized the relationships among malathion-induced neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and significant increase in systemic and local oxidative/nitrosative stress in plasma and brain, respectively. Intracellular cAMP-elevating agents like rolipram, may be considered beneficial for the protection or recovery of malathion-induced toxic damage in brain mitochondria and blood.     

Binary mixtures of pyrethroids produce differential effects on Ca influx and glutamate release at isolated presynaptic nerve terminals from rat brain

Isolated rat brain synaptosomes were used to evaluate the action of pyrethroid mixtures on Ca²⁺ influx and subsequent glutamate release under depolarizing conditions. In equipotent binary mixtures at their respective and/or estimated EC₅₀s with deltamethrin always as one of the two components, cismethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate and permethrin were additive and S-bioallethrin, fenpropathrin and tefluthrin were less-than-additive on Ca²⁺ influx. In binary mixtures with deltamethrin always as one of the two components, esfenvalerate, permethrin and tefluthrin were additive and λ-cyhalothrin was less-than-additive on glutamate release. Binary mixture of S-bioallethrin and cismethrin was additive for both Ca²⁺ influx and glutamate release. Only a subset of pyrethroids (S-bioallethrin, cismethrin, cypermethrin, and fenpropathrin) in binary mixtures with deltamethrin caused a more-than-additive effect on glutamate release. These binary mixtures were, however, only additive (cismethrin and cypermethrin) or less-than-additive (S-bioallethrin and fenpropathrin) on Ca²⁺ influx. Therefore, increased glutamate release evoked by this subset of pyrethroids in binary mixture with deltamethrin is not entirely occurring by Ca²⁺-dependent mechanisms via their action at voltage-sensitive calcium channels. These results suggest that pyrethroids do not share a common mode of toxicity at presynaptic nerve terminals from rat brain and appear to affect multiple target sites, including voltage-sensitive calcium, chloride and sodium channels.     

The effects of two pyrethroids,cismethrin and deltamethrin,on skeletal muscle and the trigeminal reflex system in the rat

The actions of a cyano pyrethroid (deltamethrin) and a non-cyano pyrethroid (cismethrin) upon trigeminal motor reflexes and isolated muscle responses were studied in the rat. Deltamethrin caused a marked facilitation of the muscle response to nerve stimulation in pithed rats at 2.5 μmol kg⁻¹. In intact anaesthetised rats this was associated with abnormal repetitive EMG discharges and, at 4 μmol kg⁻¹ with a suppression of late components of the reflex response to sensory stimuli in the spinal trigeminal nucleus and trigeminal motor nucleus. In contrast cismethrin had no effect on the muscle response to direct nerve stimulation at up to 15 μmol kg⁻¹, but produced abnormal extra responses to sensory stimuli in the trigeminal ganglion, spinal and motor nuclei, and jaw muscles at 9 μmol kg⁻¹. It is concluded that whilst deltamethrin produces reflex excitation within the trigeminal system at a primarily muscular site, cismethrin produces excitation at all stages of the reflex loop. This contrast is consistent with the known difference in duration of sodium current prolongation produced by the two pyrethroids. These findings, together with other known central actions of deltamethrin suggest that it has multiple sites of action in the intact animal, both central and peripheral, whilst most of the simpler symptoms produced by cismethrin may adequately be explained by action at a reflex level.     

The effects of organophosphate insecticide diazinon on malondialdehyde levels and myocardial cells in rat heart tissue and protective role of vitamin E

Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide has been used in agriculture and domestic for several years. Vitamin E (200 mg/kg, twice a week), diazinon (10 mg/kg, per day), and vitamin E (200 mg/kg, twice a week)+diazinon (10 mg/kg, per day) combination was given to rats orally via gavage for 7 weeks. Body and heart weights, malondialdehyde (MDA) level in heart tissue and ultrastructural changes in myocardial cells were investigated at the end of the 1st, 4th, and 7th weeks comparatively with control group. When diazinon-treated group was compared to control group body and heart weights were decreased significantly at the end of the 4th and 7th weeks. It was observed that, at the end of 1st, 4th, and 7th weeks there was a statistically significant increase in MDA levels when diazinon- and vitamin E +diazinon-treated groups were compared to control group. While at the end of the 1st week statistically significant changes were not being observed, at the end of 4th and 7th weeks statistically significant decrease was detected in MDA levels when vitamin E+diazinon-treated group was compared to diazinon-treated group. In our electron microscopic investigations, while vacuolization and swelling of mitochondria myocardial cells of diazinon-treated rats were being observed, swelling of several mitochondria were observed in vitamin E+diazinon-treated rats. We conclude that vitamin E reduces diazinon cardiotoxicity, but vitamin E does not protect completely.     

免耕对粮食作物产量的影响

通过北京郊区大田调查和定点试验观测,对比研究了免耕覆盖与传统耕作两种措施下作物长势和产量差异,探讨了免耕覆盖技术推广实施中存在的问题.结果表明:与传统翻耕相比,免耕覆盖作物出苗和成熟更晚;免耕冬小麦出苗和生长初期,麦苗密度可低于传统翻耕32%;免耕覆盖玉米出苗和长势往往好于传统翻耕,出苗密度可高于传统翻耕约20%.与传...     

三种复配增效剂对除草剂的增效作用

为研究3种复配增效剂对灭草松、草铵膦、高效氟吡甲禾灵的增效作用及其增效机制,并筛选出表现较好的增效剂,分别测定了以顺丁烯二酸二异辛酯磺酸钠(渗透剂T)、异构醇醚和油酸甲酯为主要成分的3种复配增效剂以及分别添加了这3种复配增效剂的除草剂的静态表面张力(static surface tension,SST)、动态表面张力(...     

吡蚜酮对禾谷缢管蚜的亚致死效应

本文研究了吡蚜酮对禾谷缢管蚜的亚致死效应。试验利用刺探电位图谱(EPG)技术测定了亚致死剂量的吡蚜酮对禾谷缢管蚜成虫取食行为的影响,结果表明:经吡蚜酮处理的蚜虫口针从开始刺探到持续吸食韧皮部和木质部汁液的时间明显延长,分别延长至(199.9±34.0)min和(236.4±29.5)min,对照分别为(155.5±18.1)min和(145.5±27.1)min。并且,经药剂处理的蚜虫口针在韧皮部和木质部中持续取食的时间明显缩短,分别为(44.7±9.4)min和(11.8±2.5)min,对照分别为(93.0±24.9)min和(19.0±3.6)min。通过生长和繁殖试验可知:亚致死剂量的吡蚜酮使禾谷缢管蚜的重量显著减轻,繁殖率明显降低。经药剂处理的蚜虫最大重量和最高繁殖率分别为(1.28±0.025)mg/10头和(2.9±0.2)头/成蚜,而对照分别为(1.56±0.099)mg/10头,(5.2±0.2)头/成蚜。     

杀虫剂对昆虫的亚致死效应的研究进展

杀虫剂亚致死效应是农药生态毒理学研究的一个重要方面.根据近年文献资料,综述了杀虫剂对昆虫生殖力、发育历期、行为和抗药性方面的亚致死效应,阐述了有关解毒酶的作用机制.杀虫剂亚致死效应对农业生态系统具有深远的影响,应展开更加深入、全面的研究.     

Trifluralin effects on tobacco callus tissue: Mitosis and selected metabolic effects

Inhibition of growth of pith callus of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum, var. S-73) by the herbicide trifluralin (α,α,α - trifluoro - 2,6 - dinitro - N,N- dipropyl - p - toluidine) was previously observed. Inhibition of cell division in callus tissue of varying age by this herbicide was investigated using the Feulgen reagent and light microscopy. Upon staining and counting the number of cells in each phase of mitosis, a decrease in the number of cells in metaphase, anaphase, and telophase in the treated tissues was found. In addition to this reduction, arrested metaphases and multinucleated cells were observed. Similar results were observed with 10^?4M colchicine. The effects of trifluralin on incorporation of ¹⁴C-precursors into callus RNA, DNA, and protein were also investigated. Apparent RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis in callus were inhibited by trifluralin (5 × 10^?6M) treatment. The inhibition, however, was not expressed until 5–7 days after initiating treatment. Colchicine also affected apparent RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis; however, these effects were different than those observed with trifluralin. Incorporation of ¹⁴C-amino acids into protein was most severely inhibited by colchicine.     

Effect of parathion on water intake in the rat

The effect of several subtoxic doses of parathion on water intake was studied in conscious rats with centrally induced thirst. A potent and long-lasting antidipsogenic effect was obtained when single doses ranging from 100 to 600 μg of parathion/100 g body wt were ip given to rats in which thirst was induced either by 24 hr water deprivation or sc injection of hypertonic NaCl solution. A significant thirst inhibition was also obtained when paraoxon or dichlorvos (DDVP) was given. The antidipsogenic effect was prevented by the previous administration of diacetylmonoxime (DAM), an acetylcholinesterase reactivator, but not prevented by pralidoxime (2-PAM), another reactivator that is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Thirst inhibition induced by parathion administration was also prevented when muscarinic cholinergic blockers were previously given, such as atropine sulfate. Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) was not inhibited on either blood or hypothalamic tissue with the different doses of parathion given. Locomotor activity and emotionality also remained unaltered. The results obtained indicate that the antidipsogenic effect of the organophosphorus pesticide is centrally produced by stimulation of muscarinic cholinergic pathways.     

螺虫乙酯在染毒雄性大鼠体内的分布与代谢

建立了采用超高效液相色谱-串联质谱仪(UPLC-MS/MS)检测不同动物样品中螺虫乙酯及其主要代谢物残留量的方法,并研究了螺虫乙酯在大鼠体内的吸收与代谢。样品中螺虫乙酯及其主要代谢物经甲醇提取及C18固相萃取(SPE)柱净化后,用UPLC-MS/MS检测。结果显示,所建立方法快速、灵敏,每个样品上机检测仅需3 min,方法的最低检出浓度(LOQ)为0.005 mg/kg。对按照每千克体重每日250 mg剂量染毒28 d后的大鼠体内螺虫乙酯残留量的检测结果表明:螺 虫乙酯在睾丸、肝脏、肺、肾、心脏、血浆等器官和组织中的残留量较低,平均在0.012~0.025 mg/kg 之间,且分布差异不显著,而脂肪和肌肉中螺虫乙酯的残留量显著低于睾丸和肝脏中的残留量(P P 肾>血浆>肺>心脏>睾丸>脂肪>肌肉。