Dieldrin Research Articles

Hepatic monooxygenase induction and promutagen activation in channel catfish from a contaminated river basin

To better understand the etiology of cancer in fish from polluted waters, the impact of environmental contaminants on xenobiotic metabolism of channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) from a highly polluted water body, Devil's Swamp in southeastern Louisiana, has been investigated. Fish from Devil's Swamp bioaccumulated polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (CHI), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in fat tissue, the latter exceeding 7000 ppb. Reference catfish from the University farm, Ben Hur, were virtually devoid of PAH, CHI, and PCB. Liver microsomal enzymes (MFO) from Devil's Swamp fish were markedly induced. The specific content of cytochromes P450 and b 5 and the specific activities of NAD(P)H-cytochrome c reductase were two to three times higher than those of Ben Hur fish. Consistent with this induction, a 9000 g supernatant from Devil's Swamp but not Ben Hur fish activated 2-aminofluorene and benzo[ a]pyrene (BP) to mutagens in the Ames test. BP metabolism by Devil's Swamp fish liver microsomes was inhibited to a greater extent by α-naphthoflavone than was BP metabolism by Ben Hur fish microsomes. This finding indicates that the induced activity in the Devil's Swamp fish liver was the result of P450 isozymes characteristic of PAH/PCB induction. Thus, exposure of fish to environmental pollutants can alter MFO leading to enhanced metabolic activation of promutagens to mutagens.

Effect of aldrin on spermatogenesis, plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone, and testicular testosterone in the rat.

Quantitative evaluation of the different varieties of germ cells at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, namely type-A spermatogonia (ASg), preleptotene spermatocytes (pLSc), mid-pachytene spermatocytes (mPSc) and step 7 spermatids (7Sd), along with radioimmunoassay of plasma gonadotrophins (FSH and LH), testosterone and testicular testosterone were performed in Wistar rats following treatment with aldrin (polycyclic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide) for approximately one (13 days) or two cycles (26 days) of the seminiferous epithelium. Extensive degeneration of all varieties of germ cells at stage VII, reduction in the sperm count and significant reductions in plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone were observed following aldrin treatment. The reduction in plasma concentrations of FSH was statistically significant only after treatment for two cycles. The inhibitory effect of aldrin on plasma gonadotrophins, testosterone levels, testicular testosterone content and numbers of 7Sd and ASg was maximum after treatment for two cycles. Administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin along with aldrin treatment for two cycles partially prevented the degeneration of germ cells and enhanced testosterone production. The results indicate that aldrin may have a direct inhibitory influence on gonadotrophin release, but the possibility of a direct action of the insecticide at the level of the testes is also discussed.

PCBs and chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues in birds and fish from the Wilderness Lakes System, South Africa

PCBs and chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues in birds and fish from the Wilderness Lakes System, South Africa

The role of lipid fluidity in the interaction of DDT and some analogs with synthetic membranes

The incorporation of two active chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (DDT and MeOC) and inactive DDE into vesicles of DPPC, DMPC, DOPC, and egg PC was studied by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation. The extent of incorporation was used in the calculation of their partition coefficients and solubility in phospholipids. A fluid bilayer was essential for high incorporation. The partition coefficients and membrane saturation capacities were higher in fluid than in rigid membranes. Depending on the chemical, the lipid/aqueous partition coefficients were one to three orders of magnitude lower than the octanol/water partition coefficient. No significant difference was noted in these parameters for the three chemicals even though their hydrophobicities, as judged by their water solubilities, differed by about two orders of magnitude, suggesting that hydrophobicity does not ensure high lipophilicity. Furthermore the lack of correlation between these parameters and insecticidal activity indicates that the biological activities of these insecticides is not the result of specific interactions with the membrane lipids per se. A comparison of literature data with respect to the relative fluidity of various insect and mammalian membranes shows that insect membranes are strikingly more fluid. This would favor greater accumulation of chlorinated hydrocarbons into the unsaturated membranes as the first step in their action on a membrane-associated target site(s), and perhaps would partially explain their generally higher toxicity to insects.

Snow Buntings Feeding on Leaves of Salt-Marsh Grass during Spring Migration

rie Falcon study. North Dakota Outdoors 43(8): 14-15. DENTON, S. J. 1975. Status of Prairie Falcons breeding in Oregon. M.S. thesis, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. EDWARDS, B. 1968. A study of the Prairie Falcon in southern Alberta. Blue Jay 26:32-37. ENDERSON, J. H. 1964. A study of the Prairie Falcon in the central Rocky Mountain region. Auk 81: 332-352. JAKES, P. J., AND W. B. SMITH. 1982. A second look at North Dakota's timberland. U.S.D.A. For. Serv. Res. Bull. NC-58., St. Paul, MN. LEEDY, R. R. 1972. The status of Prairie Falcons in western Montana: Special emphasis on possible effects of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. M.Sc.thesis, Univ. Montana, Missoula. OGDEN, V. T. 1973. Nesting density and reproductive success of the Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) in southwestern Idaho. M.S. thesis, Univ. Idaho, Moscow. PLATT, S. W. 1974. Breeding status and distribution of the Prairie Falcon in northern New Mexico. M.S. thesis, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater. PORTER, R. D., AND C. M. WHITE. 1973. The Peregrine Falcon in Utah, emphasizing ecology and competition with the Prairie Falcon. Brigham Young Univ. Sci. Bull., Biol. Ser. 18:1-74. RUNDE, D. E., AND S. A. ANDERSON. 1986. Characteristics of cliff and nest sites used by breeding Prairie Falcons. Raptor Res. 20:21-28. SNOW, C. 1974. Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus). Habitat Management Series for Unique or Endangered Species. Report 8. U.S. Bur. Land Manage., Denver, CO. SOKAL, R. R., AND F. J. ROHLF. 1981. Biometry: The principles and practice of statistics in biological research. 2nd ed. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco. STEWART, R. E. 1975. Breeding birds of North Dakota. Tri-College Center for Environmental Studies, Fargo, ND. TYLER, J. G. 1923. Observations on the habits of the Prairie Falcon. Condor 25:90-97. WILLIAMS, R. N. 1981. Breeding ecology of Prairie Falcons at high elevations in central Colorado. M.S. thesis, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT. WILLIAMS, R. N. 1984. Eyrie aspect as a compensator for ambient temperature fluctuations: A preliminary investigation. Raptor Res. 18:153-155.

Bioavailability in rats of bound residues from radishes treated with either radiolabeled dieldrin or carbofuran

Bioavailability in rats of bound residues from radishes treated with either radiolabeled dieldrin or carbofuran

Health effects of pesticides: a review of epidemiologic research from the perspective of developing nations.

Acute poisoning among pesticide applicators is still a prominent health hazard in rural areas in developing countries, but published reports are very rare. Registration analysis and descriptive study are helpful in giving guidance for orientation and evaluation of preventive strategies and measures. Data and material from China show that, in circumstances with a well organized grass-roots-level network of primary health care services, poisoning episodes can be prevented through dissemination of information of hazards and provision of prevention training courses. Among pesticide manufacturing workers, especially manual packers of organophosphorus insecticides, there is suggestive evidence of subacute poisoning resulting from continuous low-level exposure. Chronic delayed neuropathy has, rarely, been reported. Further study of the cause of subacute poisoning now requires analytical rather than descriptive investigations. There is still no solid documentation of an association of excess human cancer and the use of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. Phenoxyacetic and chlorophenol herbicides recently have been widely studied for causation of soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's leukemia, and lymphoma. Although the evidence at present indicates a positive association, discrepancies in findings and resultant controversy require further study. Epidemiological surveys on the harmful effect of DBCP are quite instructive. Investigations in exposed populations verified and extended the observation in animals as infertility and gender ratio change in the next generation. Adverse reproductive effects of a number of pesticides, particularly birth defects resulting from pesticides (other than those already documented for organomercurials), require further study.

Human red blood cell membrane damage by endosulfan

Endosulfan is a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide. Its in vitro toxicity on human red blood cell membrane was studied by staining with a fluorochrome dye, merocyanine-540 (MC-540) and Scanning Electron muscopy (SEM). At a concentration of 0.001 μg/ml (1 ppb) endosulfan was found to damage human red cell membranes as demonstrated by fluorescence of 30–50% of red cells on staining with MC-540. This was supported by the finding of crenation and threading of red blood cells under SEM. At concentration of 1 μg/ml (1 ppm) the cells were markedly damaged.

Comparison between In vivo and In vitro metabolism of a dieldrin analogue

Comparison between In vivo and In vitro metabolism of a dieldrin analogue

The Striped Earwig, and Ant Predators of Sugarcane Rootstock Borer, in Florida Citrus

The relative abundance of ant and striped earwig (Labidura riparia) (Pallas) (Dermaptera: Libiduridae) populations was assessed in 78 central Florida citrus groves. Ants were predominant in 74 groves while the striped earwig was the dominant predator in 4 groves where ants were absent. Detailed studies were made in Winn and High Acres citrus groves. Winn grove, with residues of cyclodine chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide in the soil, had a dense population of striped earwigs and no ants. High Acres citrus grove, with no insecticide soil residues, had a dense population of ants (ca. 30 species) and few striped earwigs, typical of the other 74 groves sampled. Without a natural population of ants, the striped earwig became a major nocturnal soil surface predator in the Winn grove. Striped earwig predation was measured on monitored populations of Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) first instar larvae placed on the soil surface under the citrus tree canopy. These earwigs, quiescent during the day, had a peak predation period of 3 to 4 hours after sunset. Thereafter predation decreased gradually and ceased before sunrise. Seasonal predation activity of the striped earwig was greatest between May and October.

The action of dieldrin on regional brain blood flow in the rat

The actions of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide dieldrin upon auditory evoked response and regional blood flow were studied in four brain regions of conscious rats. In the absence of seizure activity parallel increases in blood flow and evoked response amplitude were seen, with large increases in the cerebral cortex and much smaller effects in the cerebellum and brainstem. These effects were consistent with the known regional selectivity of action of dieldrin and with a close coupling of local blood flow and presumed metabolic demand. The pattern was, however, disrupted by the occurrence of seizures which produced a marked but transient depression in the auditory evoked response and a similarly marked but presistent depression of blood flow. This resulted in a normal blood flow but enhanced evoked response during the later postictal period, which may represent a seizure induced deficiency in flow regulation.

Effect of pulse exposure to methoxychlor on brain serotonin levels in american flagfish (Jordanella Floridae, goode and bean) as modified by time after exposure, concentration and gender

AbstractAdult American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) were exposed for 2 h to 1.6, 1.9, 3.1 or 5.1 mg L−1 of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide methoxychlor. Control and ethanol‐carrier control treatments were also maintained. Fish were sampled at 2, 6, 24, 48 and 336 h after exposure, and the concentrations of tryptophan, serotonin and 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid in brain tissue were determined. Flagfish exposed to the three highest concentrations of methoxychlor had significantly lower concentrations of serotonin, relative to controls, 2, 6 and 24 h after exposure. Serotonin concentrations had returned to control levels by 48 h. The period of serotonin depression corresponded with observed convulsive activity in the exposed fish. Female flagfish had significantly higher brain levels of serotonin than did males. Although tryptophan and 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid levels were unaffected by methoxychlor exposure, the levels of both were significantly depressed by the concentration of ethanol carrier (270 mg L−1) used. Serotonin levels were unaffected by ethanol. The brain weight of flagfish was found to be related to body weight by the equation brain weight (mg) = 2.53 + 5.72 body weight (g) (n = 139; r2 = 0.74; p < 0.001).

Lycaena mirza Plötz, 1880 (Insecta, Lepidoptera): proposed conservation by the suppression of Lycaena mirza Staudinger, 1874. Z. N. (S.) 2426

Lycaena mirza Plötz, 1880 (Insecta, Lepidoptera): proposed conservation by the suppression of Lycaena mirza Staudinger, 1874. Z. N. (S.) 2426

Screening pesticides for their ability to damage bacterial DNA.

Twenty-six pesticides and pesticide degradation products were screened (125 micrograms - 2000 micrograms) for their ability to induce unrepairable damage to bacterial DNA. Three repair test systems were utilized in this study, the Salmonella typhimurium (TA1538/TA1978), the E. coli K-12 (Pol A1+/Pol1-) and the E. coli WP2 (WP2, WP2uvrA, WP67, CM611 and CM571). Aldicarb (1000 micrograms), benomyl (250 micrograms), 2-aminobenzimidazole (2000 micrograms), captan (125 micrograms), fenazalor (500 micrograms), 5,6-dichloro-2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole (NC-2983) (250 micrograms), isothymol (250 micrograms), maleic hydrazide (1000 micrograms), pentachloronitrobenzene (1000 micrograms) were DNA-damaging to one or more bacterial test systems. Isothymol and NC-2983 affected all three test systems. Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, some being recognized as carcinogens, did not produce a zone of inhibition in any of the tester strains possibly due to their poor solubility and diffusion in the agar overlay. It was concluded that these tests can be performed along with bacterial reversion tests to complement each other as short-term screening tests for potential carcinogens and mutagens.

Lindane, aldrin and dieldrin in some Chilean cetacea

Lindane, aldrin and dieldrin in some Chilean cetacea

Analysis of Toxaphene

Abstract Toxaphene, a widely and chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide produced by chlorination of camphene, consists of a poorly defined mixture of at least 180–190 substances. Most of these conform the formulars C10H18-nCln and C10H16-nCln, where n is 6–10. Although the chromatographic behaviour of the toxaphene components is extremely similar, seven components have been isolated up to now, six of which are hepta- to decachlor derivatives of bornane. In the following work, isolation and identification of these compounds with the help of spectroscopical methods are described and their behaviour under biotic and abiotic conditions are studied. The experiments shown, that toxaphene is slowly to rapidly degraded in various environmental systems.

CONTROL OF THE TARNISHED PLANT BUG LYGUS LINEOLARIS PALISOT DE BEAUVOIS ON PEACHES

AbstractCypermethrin was more toxic to adults of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois, in both laboratory and field studies, than other synthetic pyrethroid, organophosphorus, or chlorinated-hydrocarbon insecticides. The synthetic pyrethroids were more toxic than other groups of insecticides. Residues of cypermethrin were toxic to plant bugs for 7–10 days; other compounds were effective for shorter periods. In the field 1 application of cypermethrin effectively controlled tarnished plant bugs on peach.

The effects of neurotoxicants on kindling and kindled seizures

The application of a constant-amplitude electrical stimulation to many parts of the brain leads to the expression of progressively more severe epileptiform responses. The process of acquisition is termed kindling, and the acquired response is termed the kindled seizure. This state has been used in a number of important ways including the modeling of human epilepsy and behavioral disorders, the testing of drugs for anticonvulsant effects, and, more recently, the examination of hyperexcitability states induced by pesticides and other environmental chemicals. This report discusses attributes of kindling and kindled seizures, examines possible mechanisms responsible for them, and summarizes drug and chemical effects on them. Kindling is powerfully accelerated by exposures to only a few substances, among the most effective of which are the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, lindane and dieldrin. An analysis of the acceleration of kindling produced by lindane suggests that the threshold concentration in the nervous system for kindling enhancement is approximately 0.4 μg/g (1.4 × 10 −9 mol/g).

Hydrocarbon Ingestions

Litovitz, an emergency medicine specialist, set out to settle "the great hydrocarbon debate" and does an admirable job. She notes that studies purporting to show lung damage from ingested but not inhaled hydrocarbons used supramaximal doses (exceeding 40 to 60 cc/kg). She also points out that hydrocarbons cannot be lumped into one group; there are two kinds: toxic and nontoxic. Toxic hydrocarbons are those that cause systemic toxicity when ingested. In addition to their aspiration potential, these agents cause neurotoxicity and bone marrow damage. These agents include the aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylene), chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (DDT, chlordane), and camphorated hydrocarbons. The"nontoxic" hydrocarbons are those in which toxicity is negligible in the absence of aspiration.

Interaction of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide lindane or DDT with lipids—A differential scanning calorimetry study

The interaction of DDT and lindane with glycosphingolipids and phospholipids was investigated by employing differential scanning calorimetry. The degree of perturbation produced by lindane is stronger than that of DDT and depends also on the lipid.