Mutagenic evaluation of the organophosphorus insecticides methyl parathion and triazophos in Drosophila melanogaster

J Toxicol Environ Health. 1990 Dec;31(4):313-25. doi: 10.1080/15287399009531458.

Abstract

The possible genotoxic effects of the organophosphorus insecticides methyl parathion and triazophos were evaluated by their ability to induce gene and chromosome mutations in male germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL), total and partial sex-chromosome losses (SCL), and non-disjunction (ND) assays were conducted. The routes of administration included adult feeding, injection, and larval feeding. Methyl parathion was unable to induce point mutations or chromosome mutations, although a small increase in the frequency of non-disjunction was detected after larval treatment. Triazophos induced point mutations when assayed in the SLRL test and induced a weak increase in the non-disjunction frequency, but gave negative results in the SCL test.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Genes, Recessive / drug effects
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Insecticides / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Methyl Parathion / toxicity*
  • Mutagenicity Tests
  • Mutation*
  • Nondisjunction, Genetic
  • Organothiophosphates / toxicity*
  • Sex Chromosomes / drug effects*
  • Triazoles / toxicity*

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Organothiophosphates
  • Triazoles
  • Methyl Parathion
  • triazophos