Lymphocyte esterases and hydroxylases in neurotoxicology.

Certain human lymphocytic enzymes, such as neuropathy target esterase (NTE), have become useful markers in clinical toxicology. NTE has been proposed as a predictive marker in organophosphate poisoning for the subsequent development of organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy. We studied lymphocyte aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylases, and using a differential method based on that of NTE employing a phenyl-alkanoic substrate, developed an enzyme assay for use in toxic neuropathies.

Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid deficiency on habituation.

Three weeks before mating, two groups of SWISS OF1 mice were fed a diet that was similar but contained either peanut oil poor in alpha-linolenic acid [18:3(n-3)] (n-3 deficient = deficient mice = (n-3)-) or peanut + rapeseed oil rich in alpha-linolenic acid (n-3 nondeficient = controls = (n-3)+). Pups, fed the same diet as their dams, aged 45 to 62 days were used for brain lipid analysis and for behavioral experiments, aimed at determining whether there is a relation between the dietary intake of alpha-linolenate and a simple form of learning: habituation. The behavior of mice was compared using four models: exploration recorded in a photocell actimeter, activity in an open-field, duration of immobility in the forced swimming test and number of escape attempts from a small closed space.

[Lymphocyte phenylvaleric acid hydroxylase activity (L-PVH), a new marker of peripheral neurotoxicity].

A reduction in the level of a new enzymatic assay--a phenyl valerate hydrolase (PVH)--has been found during the clinical evolution of toxic neuropathies (as almitrine-bismetilate ones) as well as alcoholic or diabetic neuropathies. The substrate and the enzymatic function are different from those used by M.K.

[Determination of the neurotoxic esterase in neurologic pathology of toxic origin. Measurement in human lymphocytes in poisoning by organophosphates, ciguatera and ethyl alcohol].

Lymphocytic NTE activity was measured after intoxication by organo phosphorus compounds and in chronic alcoholics at the beginning of alcohol withdrawal. The results showed a rapid fall in lymphocytic NTE activity; neuropathy developed when the inhibition was 75 p. 100 or more.

Cytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and allergenicity tests on certain pyrethroids.

Pyrethroids are potent synthetic insecticides which have been increasingly employed in recent years. Such compounds have been shown to bind covalently to hepatic proteins. Covalent binding is often associated with toxic effects.

In vivo covalent binding of cismethrin and bioresmethrin to hepatic proteins.

The covalent binding level of [14C]alcohol-labelled cismethrin, bioresmethrin and/or their metabolites to hepatic proteins was measured after a single i.v. injection of pyrethroids in rats pretreated with malathion.

Spanish adulterated oil matter. An important discovery by Spanish toxicologists: the toxicity of anilides of unsaturated fatty acids.

Collective intoxication resulting from the addition of aniline in adulterated vegetal oils which were re-treated in order to make them available for consumption, was clinically characterized by polyneuritis, atypical pneumonia, symptoms of vascularity. After studying the infection and allergic syndrome, the toxicological approach presented a set of experimental clinical arguments in favor of a specific toxicity of anilides of unsaturated fatty acids. The toxicokinetics of oleylaniline shows a half life of several weeks, which explains its evolution.

[Allergenic character of tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 THC), active principle of Indian hemp (Cannabis saliva var. indica)].

The maximization test applied on the Hartley Guinea Pig and the mast cell degranulation test performed on the sensibilised Guinea Pig serum resulted in: 1, extreme allergenicity; 2, the formation of circulating antibodies anti delta9 THC.

[Reactivation by 1-hydroxyimino-4-methyl-2-pentamone of plasma cholinesterases in the dog inhibited by different orgenophosphates].

The hydroxyimino-1 methyl-4 pentanone-2 was selected among several oximes because of its highly successful restoring action on dog plasmatic cholinesterases inhibited by DFP (diisopropyl fluorophosphate). During the in vitro study, this storing action was tested on 10 organophosphates. Results are compared to those obtained when contrathion is used.

[Distribution of organophosphate pesticides in two artificial plasmas: FSB-FSP].

Here is an attempt to establish that a close relation exists between the chemical formulae of organophosphates and their affinities for lipids, proteins and water. We carried out this study on two systems similar to human plasma. First, each component was sorted, then the organophosphates were detected and titrated by gas chromatography with flame photometry detector.