Delayed neurotoxic effects of bis (1-methylethyl) phosphorofluoridate (DFP) in the European ferret: a possible mammalian model for organophosphorus-induced delayed neurotoxicity.

This study examined the effects of the organophosphorus delayed neurotoxicant bis (1-methylethyl) phosphorofluoridate (DFP) on the central nervous system of the European ferret. Animals received subcutaneous injections of either 2 or 4 mg DFP/kg b.w. The extent of neuropathology was determined by the Fink-Heimer method, the activities of neuropathy target esterase (NTE) and cholinesterase (ChE) by enzyme assay methods, and the severity of clinical signs by a graded scale. In ferrets injected with 4 mg DFP/kg b.w., dense axonal and terminal degeneration were noted at 21 and 28 days post-DFP in the gracile, inferior vestibular, and lateral reticular nuclei, medial and dorsal accessory nuclei of the inferior olive, and in cerebellar folia I-IV. Degeneration was also noted in laminae VI-VII throughout most of the spinal cord and in the ventral motor nucleus at the level of the cervical enlargement. Both NTE and ChE activities were maximally inhibited at 6 hr post-dosing. NTE activity returned to control levels by 4 days while ChE activities reached control levels at 21 days. Clinical signs at 21 and 28 days post-DFP ranged from slight hindlimb weakness to severe ataxia or hindlimb paralysis. Less severe degeneration and clinical signs were noted in the animals exposed to 2 mg DFP/kg b.w. These findings indicate that the European ferret may be a model species for assessing the effects of organophosphorus delayed neurotoxicants.