Mechanism of the Toxic Action of O-Methyl-O-Dichlorovinyl-N-Dimethylamidophosphate on the Housefly (Musca domestica L.),

Abstract : The toxic effect of organophosphorus compounds on insects is considered to be a consequence of suppression of cholinesterase. The importance of cholinesterase suppression in the process of poisoning of insects with organophosphorus compounds is emphasized by data on the connection of toxicity of the compounds with anticholinesterase activity in vitro and correlation of the symptoms of poisoning with the degree of suppression of cholinesterase activity in vivo. However, suppression of cholinesterase is not the only injury in poisoning of insects. Van Asperen (1958, 1960) demonstrated strong suppression of aliesterase activity in flies treated with organophosphorus compounds at the moment of prostration.