Toxicity of O,S,S,-trialkyl phosphorodithioates to the rat

ABSTRACT

A series of O, S, S-trialkyl phosphorodithioates was synthesized and examined for acute and delayed toxicity to rats. There was a wide variability in the toxicity of these compounds, with oral LD50 values ranging from 7.9 to 156.4 mg/kg and the time frame for the death occurred from 1-8 days. Two types of response have been observed, acute cholinergic and delayed toxic response. Signs of delayed intoxication, i.e., weight loss, diarrhea, uncontrolled urination and red staining around mouth and nose were apparent in rats treated with the lower molecular weight compounds. The atropine-2-PAM antidotal treatment gave variables results with O, S, S-trialkyl phosphorodithioates, i.e., from complete protection, partial protection [as evidence by prolongation in mean time to death], and no protection. Overall results indicated that two different mechanisms, cholinergic and non-cholinergic, have been involved in intoxication by O, S, S-trialkyl phosphorodithioates