Sumithion induced neurotoxicity in pigeons: effect on lipid metabolism of spinal cord

Sumithion, a well known organophosphorus pesticide, produces hind leg paralysis and ataxia in pigeons at a dose of 5 mg/kg for 5 days. Histochemical changes in the spinal cord showed demyelination in the anterior portion of the thoracic region. Decreases in cholesterol, cerebroside and sulphatide and increases in cholesterol ester suggest demyelination in pigeons as a consequence of the neurotoxic effect of sumithion.