METABOLISM OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES: II. METABOLISM OF O,O-DIMETHYL-2,2,2-TRICHLORO-1-HYDROXYETHYL PHOSPHONATE (DIPTEREX) IN MAMMALIAN NERVOUS TISSUE AND KINETICS INVOLVED IN ITS REACTION WITH ACETYLCHOLINE ESTERASE

Abstract

The metabolism of P32-labelled Dipterex in rat brain homogenates has been investigated. The presence of four metabolites, three acidic and one nonacidic, has been demonstrated. Monodemethylated Dipterex and monomethylphosphate contributed to 37% and 7% of the total metabolite output respectively. The third acidic metabolite (16%) is believed to be 2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl phosphonic acid. The nonacidic compound has not yet been identified. The reaction of Dipterex with acetylcholine esterase has been found to be of bimolecular nature.