Effect on an Organophosphorus Insecticide on Brain Cholinesterase Activity in White-Throated Sparrows Exposed to Aerial Forest Spraying

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Brain cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition and fenitrothion residues were determined in white-throated sparrows (Z. albicollis) exposed to aerial application of fenitrothion during the breeding seasons in 1978 and 1979. Brain ChE activity was significantly reduced in birds exposed to the sprays. Fenitrothion and metabolite residues were detected in all birds exposed to the sprays; they showed no consistent correlation with brain ChE activity. An acute brain ChE response, manifested as sudden ChE reduction followed by gradual recovery was noted in birds collected after a spray of 420 g/ha active ingredient; a chronic ChE response manifested as progressive ChE reduction was noted folllowing a spray of 210 g/ha. Brain ChE determination was useful for assessing exposure of birds of ChE-inhibiting insecticides and when coupled with research on the biological consequences of reduced ChE activity showed promise for spray impact assessment.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: