Role of liver and brain lysosomal and mitochondrial enzymes in development of delayed neuropathy in hens by 0,0-diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate.

Subacute dose of 0,0-diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP), a potent organophosphorus ester capable of producing delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN), did not produce any significant change in the levels of lysosomal and mitochondrial marker enzymes of brain, liver and serum at any time after treatment in hens protected with atropine. The results suggest the absence of any involvement of mitochondrial and lysosomal enzymes at any stage in the development of OPIDN in susceptible species by treating with DFP.

Inhibition of rat brain cytochrome oxidase activity by pyrolysed products of methyl isocyanate.

The effects were studied of methyl isocyanate (MIC) and its thermally degraded products (dMIC) on rat brain cytochrome oxidase activity. Pure MIC did not inhibit brain cytochrome oxidase activity. A significant inhibition of brain cytochrome oxidase activity by dMIC was observed both in vivo and in vitro. The presence of cyanide in pyrolysed products of MIC has also been confirmed by chemical methods.