Developmental changes in trans-permethrin and α-naphthyl acetate ester hydrolysis during the last larval instar of Pseudoplusia includens

The hydrolysis of trans-permethrin and α-naphthyl acatate by midgut, fat body, and cuticle homogenates from Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) was monitored during the development of the last instar. The midgut homogenates appeared to have two pH optima (7.6 and 8.6) for the hydrolysis of trans-permethrin, the fat body homogenates had one optimum (7.4–7.8), and the cuticle homogenates had a major optimum at 6.6. Hydrolysis of both substrates peaked during the late feeding stages for midgut and cuticle homogenates, although relative changes were not the same. Hydrolysis of trans-permethrin peaked during the late feeding stage in fat body homogenates, while hydrolysis of α-naphthyl acetate continually increased through the prepupal stage. Thus, the hydrolysis of α-naphthyl acetate is not necessarily associated with the hydrolysis of trans-permethrin. The LD₅₀ values for trans-permethrin on the different stages appeared to reflect the influence of hydrolysis.     

Characterization of a Trans-permethrin hydrolyzing enzyme from the midgut of Pseudoplusia includens (Walker)

The enzymatic hydrolysis of trans-permethrin by midgut homogenates of the soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), was characterized through gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, gel filtration chromatography, and selective inhibition. All three separation techniques indicated that one enzyme (or closely related enzyme forms) was responsible for the observed hydrolytic activity. The molecular weight was approximately 80,000, the isoelectric point ranged from pH 4.6 to 4.8, and the apparent K_m was 59.5 ± 3.2 μM. Enzyme activity was inhibited by organophosphates, carbamates, and sulfhydryl group inhibitors, as well as some chelators. The hydrolysis of trans-permethrin was distinct from the majority of “general esterase” activity when enzyme activity was separated by electrophoretic techniques.     

Selective inhibition of separate esterases in rat and mouse liver microsomes hydrolyzing malathion,trans-permethrin,and cis-permethrin

Separate esterase activities of rat and mouse liver microsomes hydrolyzing malathion, trans-permethrin, and cis-permethrin were differentiated on the basis of their sensitivities to inhibition by paraoxon and α-naphthyl N-propylcarbamate (NPC). In rat liver microsomes, the malathionhydrolyzing activity was more sensitive to both inhibitors and showed a different time course of NPC inhibition than the activities hydrolyzing the permethrin isomers. Paraoxon completely inhibited trans-permethrin hydrolysis, but only partially inhibited that of cis-permethrin. The paraoxonsensitive trans- and cis-permethrin-hydrolyzing activities were not differentially inhibited, but separate inhibition curves were obtained for the inhibition of trans- and cis-permethrin hydrolysis by NPC. The mouse liver esterase activity hydrolyzing trans-permethrin showed a similar paraoxon sensitivity to that of rat liver, but that the paraoxon-sensitive portion of the cis-permethrinhydrolyzing activity was 5.5-fold less sensitive to paraoxon than the corresponding rat liver activity and was clearly differentiated from the mouse liver trans-permethrin-hydrolyzing activity. The mouse liver malathion-hydrolyzing activity was 100-fold less sensitive to paraoxon and 14-fold less sensitive to NPC than the corresponding rat liver activity. Rat and mouse liver esterase activities hydrolyzed trans- and cis-permethrin at similar rates under standard assay conditions, but mouse liver esterases were 10-fold less active in hydrolyzing malathion. The higher specific activity of rat liver malathion-hydrolyzing esterases resulted from the greater apparent affinity and maximum velocity for malathion hydrolysis. These results demonstrate that the hydrolysis of malathion, trans-permethrin, and cis-permethrin by rat and mouse liver microsomal preparations involves several esterases with differing substrate specificities and inhibitor sensitivities.     

Pyrethroid-hydrolyzing esterases in southern armyworm larvae: Tissue distribution,kinetic properties,and selective inhibition

Esterase activity hydrolyzing both [1RS,trans]- and [1RS,cis]-permethrin was detected in crude homogenates of the following southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania Cramer) larval tissues: cuticle, gut, fat body, head capsule, Malpighian tubules, and silk gland. Neither substrate was detectably hydrolyzed by hemolymph. The highest esterase activities per insect equivalent of tissue were found in cuticle, gut, and fat body for the trans isomer and in cuticle and gut for the cis isomer. Each preparation hydrolyzed the trans isomer more rapidly, but the degree of specificity varied greatly between tissues. Differences in apparent K_m and V_max values between the three most active tissues were threefold or less for trans isomer hydrolysis, but differences between tissues of up to 100-fold were found for K_m and V_max values for cis isomer hydrolysis. Hydrolysis of the trans isomer in cuticle, gut, and fat body homogenates was only partially inhibited by α-naphthyl N-propylcarbamate (NPC). Concentrations of NPC giving maximal inhibition of trans isomer hydrolysis had little effect on the hydrolysis of the cis isomer. These results demonstrate that pyrethroid-hydrolyzing activity is broadly distributed in insect tissues and results from the combined activity of several esterases with different properties. It is likely that the trans and cis isomers of permethrin are hydrolyzed by separate enzymes in this insect.     

Hydrolysis of permethrin by pyrethroid esterases from resistant and susceptible strains of Amblyseius fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Pyrethroid-hydrolyzing activity in whole body homogenates of three insecticide-resistant and one susceptible strain of the predator mite, Amblyseius fallacis Garman has been examined in vitro. The highest esterase activity was found in the synthetic pyrethroid-resistant GH-1 strain body homogenate. All three pyrethroid-resistant strains had esterases that hydrolyzed trans-permethrin two times faster than cis-permethrin but isomer specificity was not observed in the susceptible strain. The pyrethroid esterases of the GH-1 strain were very sensitive to inhibition by dichlorovos, S,S,S-tributhylphosphorotrithioate, and 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanone. Carbaryl and tetraethylpyrophosphate exhibited moderate inhibition in the GH-1 strain. Eserine sulfate and piperonyl butoxide only inhibited permethrin hydrolysis at higher concentrations. Fifteen esterase bands were resolved from body homogenates by gradient gel electrophoresis in the GH-1 strain, and were identified as carboxylesterases. The major pyrethroid-hydrolyzing activity was located in E5–E12 bands from GH-1 and composite susceptible strain esterases. Six esterase bands exhibiting low pyrethroid-hydroloyzing activity were also obtained from the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch).     

Separation and characterization of the pyrethroid-hydrolyzing esterases of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus

The principal esterases present in homogenates of cattle tick larvae have been separated by gel filtration and preparative isoelectric focusing. Substrate specificities have been determined using trans-permethrin, trans-cypermethrin, p-nitrophenyl butyrate, and the pyrethroid analog, p-nitrophenyl-(1R,S)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (t-NPDC). One of the esterases, with pI = 4.6, and molecular weight ～67,000, hydrolyzed the α-cyano-substituted pyrethroid, trans-cypermethrin, but not permethrin. The major esterase activity was found in the pI 5.6–5.8 region, and corresponded to a molecular weight of ～89,000. Small differences in substrate specificity and differences in the banding pattern after isoelectric focusing were detected between esterases of ticks of a pyrethroid-resistant strain (Malchi) and a pyrethroid-susceptible strain (Yeerongpilly). Rate constants were determined for the inhibition of the different esterases by the organophosphate coroxon and by naphthyl N-propylcarbamate, using p-nitrophenyl butyrate and t-NPDC as substrates.     

Effect of pyrethroid insecticides on EEG activity in conscious,immobilized rats

Preseizure and seizure EEG patterns elicited by the pyrethroid insecticides, deltamethrin and cis-permethrin, were compared in immobilized Sprague-Dawley rats. Deltamethrin (1–3 mg/kg, iv) produced a preseizure EEG pattern of high-amplitude, slow, 2- to 5-Hz synchronized cortical waves or spike-wave complexes. cis-Permethrin (20–40 mg/kg, iv) elicited an immediate EEG change characterized by 6- to 12-Hz high-amplitude waves with intermingled high-voltage spikes. DDT (50–70 mg/kg, iv) produced a sustained EEG activation similar to that seen after cis-permethrin, but of higher frequency. All three insecticides produced generalized EEG seizure activity, but this was more prominently associated with poisoning due to deltamethrin. cis-Permethrin and DDT gave rise to EEG seizures only at lethal doses. Electrodes stereotaxically positioned in ventral hippocampus, caudate, putamen, thalamus, septum, red nucleus, and cerebellum detected no preferential activation of any of these subcortical sites in either preconvulsive or convulsive phases of poisoning. These results indicate that both deltamethrin and cis-permethrin can have marked effects on mammalian EEG activity. This does not support the hypothesis of differing sites of action, i.e., peripheral vs. central, for the two types of compound. The more pronounced seizure-inducing action of deltamethrin may instead reflect a greater efficacy of cyanopyrethroids at target sites within the central nervous system.     

Decreased nerve sensitivity and decreased cuticular penetration as mechanisms of resistance to pyrethroids in a (1R)-trans-permethrin-selected strain of the house fly

A fenthion-resistant strain of the house fly (Musca domestica L.) was selected with bioresmethrin resulting in ca. 90-fold resistance to the selecting agent. This strain was subsequently selected with (1R)-trans-permethrin producing ca. 140-fold resistance to this latter insecticide. The permethrin-resistant (147-R) strain was highly cross-resistant to several other pyrethroids and demonstrated resistance to knockdown by these insecticides as well as by DDT. The sensitivity of the central nervous system to four pyrethroids was investigated. The 147-R strain was 2.6-fold less sensitive to (1R)-trans-ethanoresmethrin than the susceptible (NAIDM-S) strain, and >43-fold and >67-fold less sensitive to (1R,S)-cis, trans-tetramethrin and (1R)-trans-permethrin, respectively. It also displayed decreased penetration of (1R,S)-trans-[¹⁴C]permethrin when compared to the NAIDM-S strain. Lower nerve sensitivity and decreased cuticular penetration are potential mechanisms of resistance to pyrethroids in house flies in the United States.     

Penetration and metabolism of topically applied permethrin and cypermethrin in pyrethroid-tolerant Wiseana cervinata larvae

The penetration, excretion, and metabolism of topically applied [¹⁴C]permethrin and [¹⁴C]cypermethrin have been examined in larvae of the porina moth Wiseana cervinata to determine the factors which affect body levels of unchanged pyrethroids. Metabolism was by hydrolysis and to a lesser extent oxidation and the primary metabolites were quickly conjugated to water-soluble products. Little excretion occurred and body levels of unchanged pyrethroids were dependent on the interaction of penetration and metabolism. cis-Cypermethrin was more resistant to metabolism than trans-cypermethrin and cis- and trans-permethrin. trans-Permethrin most readily penetrated into larvae. The body levels of unchanged permethrin were enhanced by pretreatment of larvae with the metabolic inhibitors carbaryl or piperonyl butoxide. Tolerance of the pasture pest porina to the synthetic pyrethroids is discussed in relation to these findings.     

Metabolism of permethrin isomers in American cockroach adults,house fly adults,and cabbage looper larvae

Forty-two insect metabolites of [1RS,trans]-and [1RS,cis]-permethrin are tentatively identified in studies with Periplaneta americana adults, Musca domestica adults, and Trichoplusia ni larvae involving administration of ¹⁴C preparations labeled in either the alcohol or acid moieties. The less-insecticidal trans isomer is generally metabolized more rapidly than the more-insecticidal cis isomer, particularly in cabbage looper larvae, and metabolites retaining the ester linkage appear in larger amount with cis-permethrin. Although the dichlorovinyl group effectively blocks oxidation in the acid side chain, the permethrin isomers are metabolized by hydrolysis and hydroxylation at the geminal-dimethyl group (either trans- or cis-methyl substituent) and the phenoxybenzyl group (predominantly at the 4′-position in all species but also at the 6-position in house flies). The alcoholic and phenolic metabolites are excreted as glucosides, and the carboxylic acids are excreted as glucosides and amino conjugates (glycine, glutamic acid, glutamine, and serine) with considerable species variation in the preferred conjugating moiety.     

Pesticide interactions: Effects of organophosphorus pesticides on the metabolism,toxicity, and persistence of selected pyrethroid insecticides

The organophosphorus pesticides profenofos, sulprofos, O-ethyl O-(4-nitrophenyl) phenylphosphonothioate (EPN), and S,S,S,-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) administered intraperitoneally to mice at 0.5 to 5 mg/kg strongly inhibit the liver microsomal esterase(s) hydrolyzing trans-permethrin. Profenofos, EPN, and DEF at 25 mg/kg increase the intraperitoneal toxicity of fenvalerate > 25-fold and of malathion > 100-fold. Topically applied profenofos, sulprofos, and DEF significantly synergize the toxicity of cis-cypermethrin to cabbage looper larvae and house fly adults but these phosphorus compounds are much less effective in synergizing the toxicity of trans-permethrin. The magnitude of synergism appears to depend on the species, organophosphorus compound, and pyrethroid involved. Profenofos, sulprofos, and EPN do not significantly alter the persistence of trans-permethrin on bean foliage.     

A carboxylesterase with broad substrate specificity causes organophosphorus,carbamate and pyrethroid resistance in peach-potato aphids (Myzus persicae)

Carboxylesterase E4, the enzyme previously shown to cause resistance to organophosphorus insecticides in peach-potato aphids, Myzus persicae, was purified and characterized by electrophoretic and enzyme kinetic techniques. Its insecticidal substrate specificity, determined by following the rate of recovery of esterase activity after inhibition by a range of acylating inhibitors, included a variety of carbamates and organophosphates, although the catalytic center activity for these substrates was low. Radiometric measurement of hydrolysis of the pyrethroid, permethrin, showed that E4, whether purified or in crude aphid homogenates, hydrolyzed the (1S)trans enantiomer rapidly but hydrolysis of the other three isomers could not be detected. Such absolute specificity for one enantiomer of a pyrethroid is rare. The rates of hydrolysis of the various insecticidal classes correlated well with the relative degrees of resistance to them, and no other resistance mechanisms have been detected. Although the enzyme is relatively inefficient in degrading insecticidal esters, it is produced in very large quantity, accounting for approximately 3% of the total protein in very resistant aphids. Its effect is thus mediated not only by hydrolysis but also by sequestering a substantial proportion of a toxic dose of insecticide. It is effective in this respect because the molar amount present is similar to that of a lethal dose of insecticide. These results support earlier indirect evidence for “overproduction” of E4, probably because of structural gene duplication or amplification and have direct implications for strategies to delay the buildup of resistance or for developing synergists to overcome resistance.     

Synthetic pyrethroids: Toxicity and synergism on dietary exposure of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) larvae

The potency of six dietary pyrethroids, as toxicants and inhibitors of weight gain in first- and fourth-instar Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) larvae, decreased in the order of cis-cypermethrin and deltamethrin > trans-cypermethrin and cis-permethrin > fenvalerate and trans-permethrin. Dosages that reduced larval weight also delayed pupation and emergence, probably due to their antifeeding activity. Three oxidase inhibitors (piperonyl butoxide, O, O-diethyl O-phenyl phosphorothioate, and O-isobutyl O-prop-2-ynyl phenylphosphonate), at a dietary concentration of 100 mg kg^?1, had little or no effect on the toxicity of trans-permethrin, but strongly synergised the toxicity of cis-cypermethrin by about 3-, 3- and 10-fold, respectively. Piperonyl butoxide also synergised the toxicity of cis-permethrin, trans-cypermethrin and deltamethrin, but not that of fenvalerate. On the other hand, an esterase inhibitor, profenofos, did not enhance the potency of any of the α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl pyrethroids. Oxidases appear to be more important than esterases in pyrethroid detoxification by T. castaneum larvae.     

Absence of enhanced detoxication of permethrin in pyrethroid-resistant house flies

The mechanisms of resistance to pyrethroids were studied in a permethrin-selected (147-R) strain of the house fly, Musca domestica L. Approximately 12-fold synergism was obtained with a mixture of (1R)-trans-permethrin:piperonyl butoxide (1:5) so that the resistance decreased from 97-fold to 22-fold. Tests with the esterase inhibitor S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate produced very little synergism in either the resistant (R) strain (1.6-fold) or the susceptible (S) strain (1.9-fold). An investigation of the microsomal components revealed that compared to the S strain, the R strain demonstrated twice as much cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b₅ and double the rate of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity. In addition, the rate of p-nitroanisole O-demethylation was found to be six times greater in the R strain. An in vivo accumulation study showed that the R strain displayed a decreased rate of penetration of trans-[¹⁴C]permethrin. When treated at equitoxic doses the R strain was found to tolerate 50-fold more internal permethrin than the S strain. An in vitro metabolism study indicated that there was no difference between strains in the overall rate of metabolism of trans-[¹⁴C]permethrin. The evidence obtained supports the conclusion that several resistance factors are involved but that decreased sensitivity of the nervous system to the action of pyrethroids is the principal mechanism of resistance in the 147-R strain.     

Studies on the induction of rat uterine ornithine decarboxylase by DDT analogs. I. Comparison with estradiol-17β activity

The effect of DDT analogs and estradiol-17β on uterine ornithine decarboxylase activity in the immature intact and ovariectomized rat was studied. Pretreatment with various doses of o,p′DDT [1-(o-chlorophenyl)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane] or estradiol-17β caused a marked increase in the specific activity of ornithine decarboxylase in the 20,000g supernatant fraction of uterine homogenates but not in liver homogenates. Doses as low as 0.5 mg of o,p′DDT or 0.002 μg of estradiol-17β stimulated uterine ornithine decarboxylase activity in the ovariectomized rat. The peaks of activity after treatment with o,p′ DDT and estradiol-17β occurred at 6 and 5 hr, respectively. The level of ornithine decarboxylase activity in untreated groups was consistently lower in ovariectomized rats than in intact immature animals. Treatment with o,p′ DDT (10 mg/100 g body weight) of ovariectomized and intact immature rats demonstrated at 131-fold and an about 20-fold increase in uterine ornithine decarboxylase activity, respectively. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with cycloheximide or actinomycin D effectively blocked the increase in ornithine decarboxylase caused by o,p′ DDT. Similar results were obtained with cycloheximide in the intact immature rat. Animals subjected to both adrenalectomy and ovariectomy demonstrated an increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity when treated with either estradiol-17β or o,p′ DDT. Dose-response curves obtained for estradiol-17β and o,p′ DDT suggest a similar mechanism of action for the two compounds. Graphic analysis of the dose-response curves for estradiol-17β and o,p′ DDT demonstrated an ED₅₀ of 0.038 μg/100 g body weight and 1.8 mg/100 g body weight, respectively. The examination of various DDT analogs in intact and ovariectomized animals showed that o,p′ DDT was the most potent inducer of ornithine decarboxylase. The order of decreasing potency of DDT analogs was o,p′ DDT, o,p′ DDD. p,p′ DDT, p,p′ DDD, and p,p′ DDE.     

Rat liver paraoxonase (paraoxon arylesterase)

Paraoxonase in the liver of male Sprague-Dawley rats was studied by using [phenyl-1-¹⁴C]paraoxon. Examination of the enzyme activity in subcellular fractions of liver homogenates indicated that hepatic paraoxonase is essentially a microsomal enzyme with a pH optimum of 7.5 to 7.8. Effects of calcium ions and EDTA on the enzyme suggested that active paraoxonase is a protein-calcium complex possibly with a range of affinity to calcium ion. Activity in homogenates declined with a half-life of 6 to 9 hr when stored at 0°C, apparently reflecting dissociation of calcium ions. Experiments with homogenates of perfused liver provided evidence that even without the contribution of calcium from blood, paraoxonase is almost fully active at the moment of homogenization. Possible reasons for the much reduced activity of paraoxonase in in vivo metabolism are discussed.     

Interaction of pyrethroids with mammalian spinal neurons

The effects of intravenous administration of non-cyano (cis-permethrin) and cyano-substituted (deltamethrin) pyrethroids were studied on spontaneous and evoked ventral root activity in rat spinal cord and on spontaneous firing of ventral horn interneurons in the cat. Both pyrethroids had dramatic facilitatory effects on spontaneous firing rates of ventral roots and spinal interneurons and increased the amplitude of mono- and polysynaptically mediated ventral root responses to dorsal root stimulation. Spontaneous and evoked afferent sensory activity was slightly enhanced by cis-permethrin, but not by deltamethrin. In the cat diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, iv) was equally effective in antagonizing the facilitation of interneuronal firing resulting from either deltamethrin or cis-permethrin. These effects of pyrethroids on spinal neurons may underly the production of tremor and choreoathetosis-salivation toxicity symptoms in mammals.     

Disposition and metabolism of [14C]chlorpyrifos in the black imported fire ant, Solenopsis richteri Forel

The short-term disposition and metabolism of topically administered [¹⁴C]chlorpyrifos was assessed in the black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri Forel) in the presence and absence of the mixed-function oxidase inhibitor piperonyl butoxide. Chlorpyrifos is readily absorbed into an internal organosoluble fraction which was quickly converted into a water-soluble fraction. The radioactivity was slowly excreted over a 24-hr period. Piperonyl butoxide slowed the conversion of the internal organosoluble radioactivity to the water-soluble fraction. Thin-layer chromatography indicated that piperonyl butoxide slowed the conversion of chlorpyrifos to material remaining at the origin, presumably water-soluble metabolites. The results of acid hydrolysis studies indicated that the water-soluble radioactivity was comprised mainly of conjugates. Although very little chlorpyrifos oxon was recovered in the metabolism experiments, in vitro studies on fire and head homogenates showed the compound to be an extremely potent anticholinesterase, with an I₅₀ of 4.6 × 10^?10M, while a major metabolite, 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol, was an ineffective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.     

DDT and pyrethroids: Receptor binding in relation to knockdown resistance (kdr) in the house fly

The nature of target site or knockdown resistance (kdr) to DDT and pyrethroids was studied by investigating specific binding of [14_C] DDT and [14_C] cis-permethrin to the previously established membrane receptors from the heads of susceptible (sbo) and resistant (kdr) strains of the house fly, Musca domestica L. In vivo studies showed the heads from sbo flies bound two to three times more DDT than those from kdr flies at all doses tested. Reduced binding was also observed in kdr flies in in vitro [14_C] DDT binding assays. Scatchard analysis indicated that kdr flies have the same affinity but fewer receptors per milligram protein in the CNS than sbo flies. Assays with [14_C] cis-permethrin also showed binding was much reduced in kdr flies in comparison with sbo flies. Based on these results, the nature of the target site insensitivity of kdr flies may relate to their having a reduced number of receptors for the insecticides.     

A simple binding mechanism accounts for the temperature-dependent toxicity of cis-permethrin to larvae of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus

The action of cis-permethrin, which evinced a strong negative correlation of toxicity with temperature in larvae of the pyrethroid-susceptible Yeerongpilly and pyrethroid-resistant DDT-R and Malchi strains of the cattle tick, was accounted for by a simple binding mechanism. The mechanism assumed that a single pyrethroid molecule binds to a single site and inactivates it, and that the equilibrium constant which describes the ensuing equilibrium between concentrations of free pyrethroid, unoccupied site, and inactivated site then varies with temperature according to the van't Hoff equation. From van't Hoff plots of the data the enthalpies of binding of cis-permethrin to sites in larvae of each of the above strains were calculated to be ?87, ?92, and ?102 kJ mol^?1, respectively. It was concluded from these results that the kdr-type insensitivity (≈6×, in terms of resistance) observed in DDT-R and Malchi ticks could not be explained by altered binding sites at the site of action. It was suggested that the insensitivity might be explained by altered access to the site of action.