Effect of systemic exposure to parathion on the dark adapted pupil dilation of cynomolgus monkeys

Abstract

The constriction of pupil dilation following dark adaptation was studied as a potentially useful biological monitor of systemic exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Pupil dilation and blood cholinesterase levels were monitored in 4 cynomolgus monkeys following oral administration of 2.0 mg/kg parathion in corn oil. No consistent pattern of change in pupil/iris diameter ratios following exposure was found despite depressions in blood cholinesterase activities of 27–50% for red cells and 65–80% for plasma. A slight mydriasis was observed in one of the monkeys, who appeared the most affected behaviorally by the exposure. Results of this work suggest that the measurement of pupil dilation after dark adaptation is not a sensitive indicator for systemic exposure to OPs. However, in situations where direct exposure to the eyes may occur, such as during aerial or airblast pesticide applications, other studies indicate that constriction of pupil dilation can occur at exposure levels below those resulting in systemic effects.