Action of organophosphates on the electroretinogram of rainbow trout.

Electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded in vitro from eyes of rainbow trout that had received intraperitoneal injections of either TOCP (triorthocresyl phosphate) or DEF (S, S, S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate). Data obtained after 24 h indicated that these organophosphates caused alterations in four of five ERG parameters in the case of TOCP and all five parameters in the DEF treated specimens. These data were compared with data obtained from experiments with eserine and carbachol and led to the conclusion that the effects of the organophosphates on the retina were independent of any cholinesterase inhibitor activity of the compounds. These organophosphates affect (a) the non-cholinergic photoreceptor layer of the retina which produces the a-wave ERG component, and (b) the other neural layers of the retina known to be responsible for generation of the b-wave component. Based on data obtained 15 days after exposure there was no evidence that TOCP or DEF has any delayed neurotoxic effect on the retina of rainbow trout.