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Updated: May 30, 2026
08:46
Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)
Published on: November 22, 2016
Mechanisms of phosphine toxicity
Nisa S Nath1, Ishita Bhattacharya, Andrew G Tuck
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
Journal of Toxicology
|July 22, 2011
Summary
Phosphine fumigation protects stored grain but insect resistance is rising. Understanding phosphine
Area of Science:
- Toxicology and Pest Management
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Phosphine gas (PH(3)) is a critical fumigant for stored grain protection against insect pests.
- Widespread insect resistance to phosphine threatens its efficacy, necessitating research into toxicity mechanisms.
- No effective chemical alternatives exist for phosphine in stored grain protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying phosphine toxicity.
- To inform strategies for managing phosphine resistance in insect pests.
- To explore the chemical basis of phosphine's toxic action.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of phosphine (PH(3)) with related toxic hydrides: ammonia (NH(3)) and arsine (AsH(3)).
- Investigation of cellular and organismal physiological changes induced by these hydrides.
- Focus on the role of phosphorus chemistry in phosphine toxicity.
Main Results:
- Phosphine, ammonia, and arsine induce similar physiological disruptions.
- Observed effects include sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, suppressed energy metabolism, and altered cellular redox state.
- These three toxic effects are proposed to be interconnected.
Conclusions:
- The toxicity of phosphine is fundamentally linked to phosphorus chemistry.
- Disruption of the sympathetic nervous system, energy metabolism, and cellular redox state are key contributors to phosphine toxicity.
- Understanding these interdependent mechanisms is crucial for developing effective phosphine resistance management strategies.
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