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Toxicology of Impurities in Malathion: Potentiation of Malathion Toxicity and Lung Toxicity Caused by Trialkyl Phosphorothioates

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Selectivity and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity

Abstract

Organophosphorus compounds were first synthesised in the 1930s and because of their high toxicity were initially considered for use as chemical warfare agents. Since that time they have been developed for peaceful purposes and their effects on biological systems have been intensively studied. They are well known for their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and there is considerable knowledge on their structure-activity relationships. The variety of directly toxic compounds is very large. Many compounds, although inactive in vitro, are metabolised in vivo to active inhibitors of esterases; this has greatly extended the range of toxic organophosphorus structures. It is not surprising therefore that amongst these structures, compounds are found with biological activities other than, and in addition to, those depending on inactivation of acetylcholinesterase. The range of structures and biological reactions are illustrated in figures 11.1 and 11.2.

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Authors
  1. W. N. Aldridge
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  2. D. Dinsdale
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  3. B. Nemery
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  4. R. D. Verschoyle
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© 1987 W. N. Aldridge, D. Dinsdale, B. Nemery and R. D. Verschoyle

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Aldridge, W.N., Dinsdale, D., Nemery, B., Verschoyle, R.D. (1987). Toxicology of Impurities in Malathion: Potentiation of Malathion Toxicity and Lung Toxicity Caused by Trialkyl Phosphorothioates. In: Selectivity and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-08759-4_11

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