Alterations in Autonomic Function in the Guinea Pig Eye Following Exposure to Dichlorvos Vapor

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of the organophosphate, dichlorvos (DDVP), on ocular function and cholinesterase activity in guinea pigs, using a single-animal-head-only vapor exposure system. All animals exhibited signs of mild organophosphate poisoning (e.g., salivation, chewing, lacrimation, urination, defecation, and rhinorrhea) after the 20-min exposure, regardless of the DDVP exposure concentration (e.g., 35 mg/m(3), 55 mg/m(3), and 75 mg/m(3)). Pupil constriction or miosis was the most pronounced effect seen after vapor exposure. The postexposure pupil size for the 35 mg/m(3) group was 45.8 +/- 3.68% of the preexposure baseline measurement. Postexposure pupil size in the 55- (38 +/- 1.36%) and 75 mg/m(3) (38.1 +/- 1.72%) groups was significantly less than both the preexposure baseline level and the 35 mg/m(3) group. All groups exhibited enhanced an pupillary response to light after DDVP exposure. The enhanced light response remained even after recovery from miosis (approximately 1 h after exposure). Measurement of cholinesterase activity revealed that even though pupil size had recovered, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase remained significantly inhibited in the blood.