EEG, ECG, and respiratory response to acute insecticide exposure.

Despite intensive efforts over the last 30 years, the mode of insecticide action remains largely undetermined. Cholinergic enzyme systems have been identified as targets of organophosphates (HAYES, 1975) whereas respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and most prominently, neurological dysfunctions are implicated vectors in organochlorine toxicity (SHANKLAND, 1964; EMERSON et al, 1964; HYDE et al, 1973). Additional evidence supporting organochlorine neurotoxicity has recently been provided through electrographic studies in this laboratory (HYDE and FALKENBERG, 1976) and elsewhere (W00LLEY and BARRON, 1968; JOY, 1973, 1976)o Many of these investigations have, however, concentrated on in vitro responses or on individual physiological indices; rarely considering more than one responding system. We feel that a more definitive knowledge of intoxicative pathways might be obtained by monitoring simultaneous reactions in the intact animal. Our objective was therefore to compare acute electrophysiological effects of representative organochlorine (0C1) and organophosphate (0P) insecticides on the laboratory rat. Concurrent neurological, respiratory, and cardiac involvement were primary concerns.