The importance of nerve terminal depolarization in pyrethroid poisoning of insects

The effects of several pyrethroids and DDT were examined on neuromuscular preparations from larvae of Musca domestica, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Trichoplusia ni, in order to determine the importance of the type I effect (repetitive firing) and the type II effect (increased miniature excitatory postsynaptic potential (mepsp) rate, indicating nerve terminal depolarization) in the poisoning process. α-Cyano pyrethroids were very potent in increasing mepsp rate, and although DDT and non-α-cyano compounds were more potent at inducing repetitive firing, all these compounds increased mepsp rate at higher concentrations. A variety of evidence showed that the mepsp rate-increasing activity could be an important factor in toxicity: among all of the compounds, there was a positive correlation between toxicity and mepsp rate-increasing activity; mepsp rate-increasing activity had a negative temperature dependence; nerves of kdr larvae in vitro were resistant to the mepsp rate-increasing activity, commensurate with resistance level; and finally, increased mepsp rate and neuromuscular block were observed in poisoned insects, associated with paralysis. Among type I compounds, repetitive firing activity was correlated negatively with toxicity, but positively with knockdown activity.     

Mechanism of neuromuscular block by chlordimeform

The mechanism of action of chlordimeform on the frog sciatic nerve-sartorius muscle preparation has been studied by means of microelectrodes. Chlordimeform (0.1 mM) suppresses the amplitude of spontaneous miniature end-plate potentials without much changing their frequency. At 1 mM, it completely blocks the miniature end-plate potentials. The resting membrane potential is not affected. The end-plate potential evoked by nerve stimulation is also suppressed, while the action potential from the nerve terminal is not impaired. The sensitivity of the end-plate membrane to the transmitter substance as examined by iontophoretic applications of acetylcholine is effectively decreased by chlordimeform. The quantal content of transmitter release is not affected. It is concluded that the block of neuromuscular transmission by chlordimeform is due primarily to a depression of the end-plate sensitivity to the transmitter.     

Action of cismethrin and deltamethrin on functional attributes of isolated presynaptic nerve terminals from rat brain

Isolated presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) prepared from rat brain were used to evaluate the actions of a tremor (T)-syndrome (cismethrin) and a choreoathetosis-salivation (CS)-syndrome (deltamethrin) pyrethroid on the functional attributes of synaptosomes by measuring calcium influx and endogenous neurotransmitter (l-glutamate) release with fluorescent assays. Both cismethrin and deltamethrin stimulated calcium influx, however, only deltamethrin enhanced Ca²⁺-dependent neurotransmitter release and its action was stereospecific, concentration-dependent, stimulated by depolarization, unaltered by tetrodotoxin, and blocked by ω-conotoxin GVIA. Our results delineate a separate action of deltamethrin on presynaptic nerve terminals from that elicited by cismethrin and implicate Ca_v2.2 calcium channels as target sites for deltamethrin that is consistent with the observed in vivo release of neurotransmitter at the onset of convulsive symptom caused by CS-syndrome pyrethroids. This information will allow a more complete understanding of the molecular and cellular nature of pyrethroid-induced neurotoxicity and expands our knowledge of the structure–activity relationships of pyrethroids in regards to their action on voltage-sensitive calcium channels.     

Effects of dieldrin (HEOD) and some of its metabolites on synaptic transmission in the frog motor end-plate

The effects of HEOD and some of its metabolites on synaptic transmission in the frog motor end-plate were studied by means of intracellular microelectrodes. HEOD itself and the metabolites 9-syn-hydroxy-HEOD and the aldrin-derived dicarboxilic acid had no significant effect on frequency and amplitude of miniature end-plate potentials, nor on end-plate membrane potential. In sharp contrast with this aldrin-transdiol (6,7-trans-dihydroxy-dihydro-aldrin) was very potent in exerting both pre- and postsynaptic actions. This metabolite caused a rapid and marked increase in miniature end-plate potential frequency, together with a decrease in their amplitude. Evidence is presented suggesting that the spontaneous transmitter release is enhanced by two prejunctional mechanisms: partly by a calcium-dependent effect, probably a depolarization of the nerve terminal, and partly by a calcium-independent action. Another typical prejunctional action of aldrin-transdiol is the reduction of the amount of transmitter released in response to high external potassium concentration. Aldrin-transdiol also affected the evoked transmitter release and caused a marked increase in end-plate potential amplitude followed by a decrease, and finally a complete blockade of neuromuscular transmission was observed. This transient increase in transmitter release was shown to be due to a transient increase in quantal content. The subsequent fall in end-plate potential amplitude and the fall in miniature end-plate potential amplitude are probably the result of a reduction of the sensitivity of the postsynaptic membrane to acetylcholine as demonstrated by ionophoretic application of this transmitter. There was no aldrin-transdiol-effect on the end-plate membrane potential. The present results strongly support the hypothesis that HEOD must be converted to aldrin-transdiol before it can exert its neurotoxic action.     

Action of deltamethrin on N-type (Cav2.2) voltage-sensitive calcium channels in rat brain

Isolated presynaptic nerve terminals prepared from whole rat brain were used to evaluate the action of deltamethrin on voltage-sensitive calcium channels by measuring calcium influx and endogenous glutamate release. Deltamethrin-enhanced K⁺-stimulated calcium influx and subsequent Ca²⁺-dependent glutamate release. The effect of deltamethrin was concentration-dependent, stereospecific, blocked by ω-conotoxin MVIIC but unaltered in the presence of tetrodotoxin. These results suggest that N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels are a site of action at the presynaptic nerve terminal. Electrophysiological studies were carried out using rat brain Ca_v2.2 and β₃ subunits coexpressed in Xenopus oocytes to validate such action. Deltamethrin reduced barium peak current in a concentraion-dependent and stereospecific manner, increased the rate of activation, and prolonged the inactivation rate of this channel. These experiments support the conclusion that N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel operation is altered by deltamethrin.     

Myotoxic and neurotoxic activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis crystal toxin

The mechanism of the entomocidal action of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (BTI) in Periplaneta americana has been studied. Cockroaches treated with the alkali-solubilized BTI crystal gradually became sluggish and immobile. A physiological examination of poisoned cockroaches indicated that BTI possessed both myotoxic and neurotoxic activity. Following hemocoel or foregut administration of BTI, myotoxic effects were observed within 10–20 min whereas the onset of neurotoxic effects was considerably delayed. The results of this study suggest that the myotoxic action of BTI is probably important for the initial manifestation of its toxicity. The neurotoxic effects of BTI were ascribed to its ability to interfere with transmitter release. BTI exerted a dual action on transmitter release in the cockroach sixth abdominal ganglion. At lower doses (2–4 μg/ml) BTI was found to suppress transmitter release by interfering with calcium uptake. At higher concentrations (12 μg/ml or higher), however, BTI caused blockage of synaptic transmission which was preceded by massive transmitter release. In either case, the synapse blocking action of BTI was probably due to its effects upon presynaptic terminals. Postsynaptic membranes and axons in the ventral nerve cord apparently remained unaffected.     

Inhibition by decamethrin and resmethrin of hormone release from the isolated rat neurohypophysis—A model mammalian neurosecretory system

The isolated rat neurophypophysis, which shows a calcium-dependent hormone release when depolarized in vitro was used as a model system to investigate the effects of the pyrethroids decamethrin and resmethrin on mammalian nervous tissue. Both compounds inhibited neurohypophysial hormone release in response to electrical stimulation, decamethrin being more potent than resmethrin. Decamethrin reduced the hormone content of the neurohypophysis. Resmethrin did not reduce stored hormone significantly and its effects on release were dose dependent. They could be mimicked by raising the [Na⁺] of the medium but not by lowering the [Ca²⁺]. Resmethrin had no effect on the release of hormone following depolarization of the tissue with a raised [K⁺]. The results are consistent with the suggestion that the compounds do not act on the potential-dependent secretion process but rather on the mechanism linking depolarization of the secretory terminals with the arrival of action potentials possibly by interfering with sodium-channel activation and inactivation.     

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.     

Electrophysiological identification of site-insensitive mechanisms in knockdown-resistant strains (kdr,super-kdr) of the housefly larva (Musca domestica)

The effects of pyrethroids were studied upon isolated segmental nerves and neuromuscular junctions in both susceptible (Cooper) and knockdown-resistant (kdr; super-kdr) strains of housefly larvae (Musca domestica L.). Isolated segmental nerves contained neither cell bodies nor synaptic contacts; thus, any effects of pyrethroids were attributed solely to their actions upon voltage-dependent Na⁺ channels. Threshold concentrations of the type II pyrethroid, deltamethrin, required to elevate the spontaneous firing rate of these nerves were determined. Both resistant strains were about ten times less sensitive to deltamethrin than the susceptible strain, but insensitivity of super-kdr nerves was no greater than in the less resistant kdr strain. At neuromuscular junctions, the minimum concentrations of pyrethroids needed to trigger massive increases in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials (mEPSPs) were determined for deltamethrin and the type I pyrethroid, fenfluthrin. With fenfluthrin there was no detectable difference between the junctions of kdr and super-kdr strains, which were both about ten-fold less sensitive than Cooper junctions. With deltamethrin, kdr junctions were about 30 times less sensitive than those of Cooper; super-kdr junctions were dramatically insensitive to deltamethrin, being some 10000- and 300-fold less sensitive than those of Cooper and kdr respectively. Thus, in the synaptic assay, super-kdr conferred an extension in resistance over kdr only against the type II pyrethroid, it being ineffective against fenfluthrin. We suggest that kdr resistance comprises at least two site-insensitive areas within the nervous system. One involves insensitivity of the Na⁺ channel and has similar efficacy in both kdr and super-kdr strains against type I and II pyrethroids; the other is associated with the presynaptic terminal and is particularly effective in super-kdr resistance against type II pyrethroids. The latter could be associated with Ca²⁺-activated phosphorylation of proteins involved with neurotransmitter release. Such phosphorylation reactions are known to be perturbed by pyrethroids, especially by type II compounds.     

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.     

PKC-dependent phosphorylations modify the action of deltamethrin on rat brain N-type (CaV2.2) voltage-sensitive calcium channel

Voltage clamp electrophysiological studies using wild type Ca_V2.2 and its β₃ subunit coexpressed in Xenopus oocytes revealed that deltamethrin increased the rate of activation, prolonged inactivation and reduced peak current. Site-directed mutagenesis of threonine 422 to glutamic acid (T422E, one of five protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent phosphorylation sites) resulted in a channel that acted as if it were permanently phosphorylated. This resulted in an increased probability of opening during depolarization and a reduced inhibition by the βγ subunit of heterotrimeric G-protein. Deltamethrin treatment of T422E Ca_V2.2 enhanced peak current ∼50% over ethanol-treated controls with an EC₅₀ of 9.8 × 10⁻¹¹ M.Phosphorylation of wild type Ca_V2.2 is evoked by the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristrate, 13 acetate (PMA), by activating endogenous protein kinase C (PKC) in oocytes. PKC-dependent phosphorylation activated by PMA of wild type Ca_V2.2 has been previously shown to slow channel deactivation and increased Ca²⁺ influx and subsequent neurotransmitter release. Following PMA-activated phosphorylation, deltamethrin significantly increased peak current and slowed deactivation of the phosphorylated channel, which would be consistent with slower channel closure, greater Ca²⁺ influx and enhanced neurotransmitter release seen in vivo. Deltamethrin treatment in the absence of PMA-activated phosphorylation resulted in no effect on the deactivation kinetics of unphosphorylated Ca_V2.2 or the T422E mutant. Thus, Ca_V2.2 is modified by deltamethrin but the resulting perturbations are dependent upon its PKC-dependent phosphorylation state.     

贵州乌头杀虫生物碱的研究

采用药典方法对贵州乌头Aconitum carmichaeli块根的粗总碱和纯化总碱进行了分析,粗总碱的质量分数为0.928%,纯化总碱的质量分数为0.683%,高于其他地区产乌头。通过萃取、硅胶柱层析、薄层制备和重结晶等方法从贵州乌头中分离得到3个主要生物碱,经熔点、电喷雾串联质谱(ESI-MS)及核磁共振等鉴定其分别为新乌头碱、次乌头碱和乌头碱。反相高压液相色谱分析显示,在贵州乌头中,新乌头碱、次乌头碱和乌头碱的质量分数分别为0.20%、0.10%和0.016%。     

First molecular genotyping of voltage gated sodium channel alleles in Culex quinquefasciatus populations in Malaysia

A nationwide investigation was performed to detect the presence of 1014 mutation(s) in voltage gated sodium channel (kdr) gene of Culex quinquefasciatus from 14 residential areas across 13 states and a federal territory in Malaysia. Molecular genotyping of kdr mutation was performed via a modified three tubes allele-specific-polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) and direct sequencing of kdr gene. Based on the results of AS-PCR, homozygous susceptible (SS) genotype was found in nine out of 14 populations with 38 individuals from a total sample size of 140. Heterozygous (RS) genotype was most predominant (99 individuals) and distributed across all study sites. Homozygous resistance (RR) genotype was detected in Perak (one individual) and Selangor (two individuals). The resistance kdr allele frequencies ranged from 0.1 to 0.55, with the highest being detected in Cx. quinquefasciatus population from Selangor. This study has documented the first field-evolved instance of 1014F mutation in Malaysian mosquitoes and the findings of this study could be utilized in the implementation of strategic measures in vector control programs in Malaysia.     

Characterization of 11 commercial pyrethroids on the functional attributes of rat brain synaptosomes

The action of 11 commercial pyrethroids on Ca²⁺ influx and glutamate release was assessed using high-throughput functional assays with rat brain synaptosomes to better understand the mechanistic nature of pyrethroid-induced neurotoxicity and aid in the reassessment of pyrethroids in vivo. Concentration-dependent response curves for each of the non-cyano and α-cyano containing pyrethroids were determined and the data used in a cluster analysis. The previously characterized α-cyano pyrethroids that induce the CS-syndrome (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and esfenvalerate) increased Ca²⁺ influx and glutamate release, and clustered with two other α-cyano pyrethroids (β-cyfluthrin and λ-cyhalothrin) that shared these same actions. Previously characterized T-syndrome pyrethroids (bioallethrin, cismethrin, and fenpropathrin) did not share these actions and clustered with two other non-cyano pyrethroids (tefluthrin and bifenthrin) that likewise did not elicit these actions. Our current findings indicate that pyrethroids that have an α-cyano group (with the exception of fenpropathrin) were more potent enhancers of Ca²⁺ influx and glutamate release under depolarizing conditions than pyrethroids that did not possess this functional group. The collective data set does not support the hypothesis that pyrethroids, as a class, act in a similar fashion at presynaptic nerve terminals.     

DDT and sodium transport in the eel electroplaque

DDT inhibits the ATPase activity of the intact eel electroplaque. At a concentration of 10^?5M, DDT inhibited 46% of the total ATPase activity, and 10^?4M DDT inhibited 62% of the total ATPase activity and 62% of the ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity. The latter concentration of DDT reduced the rate of Na efflux from intact electroplaques and slowed the rate of recovery of the membrane potential following a large depolarization produced by carbamylcholine application. Repetitive direct stimulation of the innervated membrane at 10 Hz during the application of 10^?4M DDT produced a significant irreversible depolarization. Ouabain, 10^?4M, produced similar effects. The possible role of the inhibition of active NaK transport in producing the symptoms of DDT poisoning is discussed.     

Promotion of norepinephrine release and inhibition of calcium uptake by pyrethroids in rat brain synaptosomes

A series of 25 pyrethroids were assessed for their effects on Na⁺-dependent norepinephrine release and on Ca²⁺ uptake in vitro using a crude rat brain synaptosomal preparation. The most effective pyrethroids required a concentration of 3–10 μM to promote norepinephrine release. Plotting release data versus lipophilicity (as log P) for each compound resulted in a parabolic curve with log P_opt being 5.4 for maximal release. The release promoted by most of the compounds assessed at 30 μM could not be or was only partially reversed by either tetrodotoxin or substituting choline for Na⁺ conditions which readily reversed the release promoting effects of veratridine. Thus, many pyrethroids, particularly those without the α-cyano group, did not display their expected effects on the Na⁺ channel in rat brain. When assessed at 5 μM, pyrethroids inhibited, had no effect, or caused increases in the amount of Ca²⁺ incorporated in the presence of ATP. The effectiveness of the various pyrethroids to inhibit Ca²⁺ uptake again displayed a parabolic relationship with log P_opt being 6.4. It was concluded that the variations in pyrethroid effects on norepinephrine release and Ca²⁺ uptake are not solely related to their particular chemical structures, but to lipophilicity. The effects of many pyrethroids on Ca²⁺ metabolism, particularly displacement of bound Ca²⁺, better explain the transmitter release promoting properties in vitro rather than a direct effect on the Na⁺ channel. No direct relationship between known toxicity to mammals and Ca²⁺ inhibition by pyrethroids was established.     

Frequency detection of pyrethroid resistance allele in Anopheles sinensis populations by real-time PCR amplification of specific allele (rtPASA)

To investigate the level of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles sinensis Wiedemann 1828 (Diptera: Culicidae), a major malaria vector in Korea, we cloned and sequenced the IIS4-6 transmembrane segments of the sodium channel gene that encompass the most widely known kdr mutation sites. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of the major Leu-Phe mutation and a minor Leu-Cys mutation at the same position in permethrin-resistant field populations of An. sinensis. To establish a routine method for monitoring resistance, we developed a simple and accurate real-time PCR amplification of specific allele (rtPASA) protocol for the estimation of resistance allele frequencies on a population basis. The kdr allele frequency of a field population predicted by the rtPASA method (60.8%) agreed well with that determined by individual genotyping (61.7%), demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of rtPASA in predicting resistance allele frequency. Using the rtPASA method, the kdr allele frequencies in several field populations of An. sinensis were determined to range from 25.0 to 96.6%, suggestive of widespread pyrethroid resistance in Korea.     

An electrophysiological investigation of the susceptible (cooper) and resistant (kdr; super-kdr) strains of the adult housefly,Musca domestica L

The electrical activity of abdominal nerves of the housefly, Musca domestica L., was used as a bioassay to study nerve sensitivity to DDT and deltamethrin in susceptible (Cooper) and resistant (kdr, super-kdr) strains. By this technique the resistant strains were less sensitive (approximately 10 000-fold) than Cooper, but the bioassay could not distinguish between super-kdr and kdr in their responses to either compound and so could not account for the greater resistance shown by flies with super-kdr above kdr flies when these insecticides are applied topically. Although factors other than nerve insensitivity may be involved, the compounds were applied to the preparation in aqueous saline solutions at, or close to, their solubility limits and this could have masked differences in responses of nerves from the resistant strains.     

Effects of deltamethrin on ventral nerve cord activity in the cockroach

The effects of varying concentrations of deltamethrin on a number of the parameters of electrophysiological activity in the cockroach ventral nerve cord have been studied. Deltamethrin, at concentrations greater than 100 nM, caused repetitive firing in the central nervous system (CNS), prior to conduction block, the effect getting faster as the concentration was increased. Whilst 10-nM deltamethrin eventually caused conduction block with no apparent increase in the level of CNS activity, it induced a gradual decrease in the amplitudes of all spike activity. Deltamethrin at 10μM induced a significant increase in the latency of electrically evoked responses, and this was attributed to a synaptic mechanism. It was shown for the first time that 10-μM deltamethrin causes a significant elevation of the extra-axonal K⁺ activity; the possible consequences of this are discussed.     

Molecular studies of knockdown resistance to pyrethroids: cloning of domain II sodium channel gene sequences from insects

Knockdown resistance (kdr) is a target-site resistance mechanism that confers nerve insensitivity to DDT and pyrethroid insecticides. In the housefly, Musca domestica, molecular cloning of the para-type sodium channel gene has revealed two amino acid mutations that are associated with kdr and super-kdr resistance phenotypes. Both mutations are located in the domain II region of the channel; Leu1014 to Phe in the hydrophobic segment IIS6 and Met918 to Thr in the IIS4-IIS5 linker. To investigate whether these mutations also occur in other insects, we have designed degenerate primers based on conserved sequences in the domain II region of the sodium channel and used these to PCR amplify this region from insecticide-susceptible strains of eight diverse insect species representing four different insect Orders: Helicoverpa armigera, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera), Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera), Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera), Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii and Phorodon humuli (Hemiptera). The primers amplified closely related para-type sodium channel sequences from each insect with a minimum of 85% amino acid identity between species. All of the sequences contained ‘susceptible’ Leu and Met residues at the positions associated with kdr and super-kdr resistance in the housefly. Recent results detailing the presence of a kdr-type Leu to Phe mutation in pyrethroid-resistant strains of two important agricultural pests, P. xylostella and M. persicae, are discussed. ©1997 SCI