[Patho-morphologic and histoenzymologic findings after VX (organophosphate) poisoning in sheep]

Sixty-one sheep were administered experimentally a VX chemical (organophosphate) at different rates. In the process of dissection, samples were taken for a histopathological examination. These were samples of brain, liver, kidneys, rumen wall, small intestine, muscles, myocardium, lungs and spleen. For another histochemical examination, samples of tongue, m. longissimus dorsi, jejunum, rumen, liver, kidneys and m. interconstalis were also taken. The activities of alkaline and acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase, acetylcholinesterase and dehydrogenase of lactic acid were investigated. The most significant changes were found out in the lungs - in form of oedemas and acute catarrhal bronchopneumonias in those animals which died within three days after chemical administration. Sporadic haemorrhages or haemorrhages in form of vast spots were found out under the epicardium. Their range did not relate to the amount of the chemical administered. Rather dilated vessels were observed in the brain and also in the meninges. The histochemical examination showed different activities of enzymes in particular organs of sheep.