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Toxicity of ethion in goats
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Organophosphorus insecticide ethion significantly reduces cholinesterase activity in goats, causing toxicity at higher doses. Pralidoxime effectively reactivates cholinesterase within 24 hours post-exposure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Organophosphorus insecticides are widely used but pose risks to animal health.
- Ethion is an organophosphate insecticide whose toxicological effects require thorough investigation.
- Cholinesterase inhibition is a primary mechanism of organophosphate toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dose-dependent effects of ethion on cholinesterase activity in goats.
- To assess the clinical signs of ethion toxicity in goats.
- To determine the efficacy of pralidoxime in reactivating ethion-induced cholinesterase inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of ethion at 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg doses in goats.
- Measurement of plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase activities.
- Observation of clinical signs of toxicity and parasympathetic stimulation.
- Administration of pralidoxime for cholinesterase reactivation.
Main Results:
- Ethion administration led to dose-dependent reductions in cholinesterase activity.
- Severe toxicity and parasympathetic stimulation were observed at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses.
- Cholinesterase activity decreased to approximately 10% and 5% of control values at higher doses.
- Pralidoxime showed high efficacy in reactivation within 24 hours, but was ineffective after 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Ethion is toxic to goats, with dose-dependent cholinesterase inhibition.
- Early administration of pralidoxime is crucial for effective treatment of ethion poisoning.
- Monitoring cholinesterase activity is essential for assessing ethion exposure and treatment efficacy.