Parathion Activation by Livers of Aquatic and Terrestrial Vertebrates

Abstract

Liver slices from seven terrestrial and six aquatic animals studied "activated" parathion, converting it to paraoxon, a potent anticholinesterase. Although there are similarities between the liver systems which activate parathion and which degrade drugs such as aminopyrine and phenacetin, liver slices of aquatic vertebrates can activate parathion but cannot degrade such drugs.