Bioassay and histochemical studies of the poisoning and recovery of house-flies (Musca domestica L.) treated with diazinon and diazoxon

Abstract

Newly emerged and 3-day-old house-flies (Musca domestica L.) of a diazinin-susceptible and a diazinon-resistant strain were treated topically with diazinon or diazoxon and examined for symptoms of poisoning and recovery at intervals up to 5 hours and at 24 hours after treatment. The effects of the poisons varied with the age and strain of the flies and with the poison used. Most of the flies that became paralysed died, but some recovered, even after appearing to be dead. Of flies treated when newly emerged, more of the resistant than of the susceptible strain recovered from paralysis, and more recovered from diazoxon than from diazinon treatment. Recoveries were fewer amongst flies treated when three days old and occurred in appreciable numbers only amongst those of the resistant strain treated with diazoxon.Histochemical tests on flies, treated with diazoxon showed a close correlation between inhibition of cholinesterase activity in the thoracic ganglion and the external symptoms of poisoning. Inhibition was slight in apparently unaffected flies, more extensive in severely affected flies, and total or nearly so in completely paralysed flies. Inhibition first appeared at the periphery of the ganglion and spread inwards to the centre. Flies that recovered from paralysis had normal or almost normal cholinesterase activity, partially recovered flies showed activity only in the central parts of the ganglion. Recovery of cholinesterase activity seems to occur from the centre of the ganglion outwards.