Organophosphorus esters causing delayed neurotoxic effects: mechanism of action and structure activity studies.

Evidence is reviewed that the initial biochemical event leading to delayed neurotoxicity is phosphorylation of the active site of a specific enzyme called Neurotoxic Esterase. This is followed by a bondcleavage (? hydrolytic) leading to formation of a mono-substituted phosphoric acid residue on the protein. The mechanism by which some phosphinates protect hens against neurotoxic compounds is explained. Screening Assay. Assay of effects of compounds on Neurotoxic Esterase activity of hen brain in vitro and in vivo provides a quick biochemical screen to supplement the 3-week clinical test. This test provides an estimate of safety margin for compounds which give negative results in the clinical test and are currently used as pesticides, plasticisers, etc. Simplified assay procedures are being developed. Structure/Activity Studies. Data is now available for the biochemical and neurotoxic activity of many compounds. This provides a basis for structure/activity predictions; neurotoxicity data published since 1930 has been assessed in this light.