Related Experiment Videos
Parathion-provoked lethality in rats is reduced by diethyldithiocarbamate
Archives of Toxicology
|June 1, 1985
Abstract:
Intoxication of male rats with 5 mg/kg parathion reduces survival to 15%. Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), known to inhibit mixed-function oxidase activity, has no effect on survival rate when this compound is used in a dosage of 300 mg/kg 45 min before or 10 min after parathion intoxication. However, when DDC and parathion are administered simultaneously, the rate of survival rises to 53%.
Insights
Simultaneous administration of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) with parathion significantly increases rat survival rates. DDC alone, or given before or after parathion, does not improve survival from parathion intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Parathion is an organophosphate insecticide known to cause significant toxicity and mortality in mammals.
- Mixed-function oxidase (MFO) systems are critical for the metabolism and detoxification of xenobiotics, including pesticides.
- Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) is a known inhibitor of MFO activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) on the survival rate of rats intoxicated with parathion.
- To determine if the timing of DDC administration relative to parathion exposure influences its protective effect.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were intoxicated with a lethal dose of parathion (5 mg/kg).
- Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) was administered at 300 mg/kg at various time points: 45 minutes before, 10 minutes after, or simultaneously with parathion.
- Survival rates were assessed following parathion intoxication under different DDC treatment regimens.
Main Results:
- Parathion intoxication alone resulted in a survival rate of only 15%.
- Administration of DDC 45 minutes before or 10 minutes after parathion did not significantly alter the survival rate.
- Simultaneous administration of DDC and parathion dramatically increased the survival rate to 53%.
Conclusions:
- The protective effect of DDC against parathion toxicity is highly dependent on the timing of administration.
- Simultaneous exposure to DDC and parathion enhances survival, suggesting a mechanism that involves interaction during the initial phase of intoxication or metabolism.
- Inhibition of MFO activity by DDC may play a role, but its timing relative to parathion exposure is crucial for efficacy.