Studies on Parathion Metabolism in Normal and Parathion-Resistant House Flies

Abstract

The absorption, dextoxication, and excretion of parathion and para-oxon were studied in susceptible and parathion-resistant strains of the house fly (Musca domestica L.) by radiometric techniques. No differences in the rate of absorption of the toxicants were noted between susceptible and resistant flies. Both insecticides were rapidly detoxified by the flies in vivo, with the metabolism being more rapid in the resistant strain. Differences in the rate of excretion of parathion and/or its metabolites were not great, but para-oxon and/or its metabolites were excreted much more rapidly by flies of the resistant strain.