PHAR 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Pralidoxime, Organophosphorus Compound, Carbamate
12 Nov 2016
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Explain why organochlorine insecticides have largely been phased out. Organochlroide insecticides work by increasing cns sensitivity leading to tremors and convulsions. In the 1970s it was stopped being used because insects were becoming resistant, it was accumulating in the soil and water and ending up in plants which animals ate so it ended up in meat. In humans it affected the cns leading to acute tremors and convulsions. And in animals chronic exposure resulted in cancers and infertility. *ddt still used in some parts of africa to phase out malaria: describe the mechanism of action of organophosphorous and carbamate insecticides. Selective organophosphorus insecticides are metabolically activated and occur rapidly in insects (ie. malathion, parathion). Even though they are not lethal to humans like they are to insects they are still rapidly absorbed through the skin and are very toxic. Leading cause of poisoning in the agricultural sector. Toxicity: inhibit acetylcholinesterase = increase in ach in nervous tissue.
