Sensitivity to DDT of Nerve Ganglia of Susceptible and Resistant House Flies

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Abstract
The comparative susceptibility of nerve tissue of Musca domestica to poisoning by DDT was studied by applying the poison to the exposed thoracic ganglia of DDT-susceptible and resistant adult female flies. Starting 5 min. after appln. of 0.57 or 1.14[mu]g. of DDT in 1 [mu]l. of emulsion, time of onset and duration of poisoning symptoms were recorded at intervals for 2 hours by observing tremors in a metathoracic leg. In susceptible flies, 37 of 40 showed symptoms of poisoning 5 min. after appln. of the DDT, and the symptoms continued to the termination of the expt. in 33 of the 37. In resistant flies, 25 of 40 showed symptoms at 5 min. and the symptoms continued to termination of the expt. in only 8 of the 25. The data suggest that nerve tissue of DDT-resistant flies has a higher threshold of poisoning than that of DDT susceptible flies. Correlation of these findings with the greater ability of poisoned DDT-resistant flies to detoxify DDT is discussed.

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