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Abstract
The effects of exposure to diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP), an irreversible inhibitor of cholinesterase enzymes, on the reproductive behavior, sensory-motor functioning, & neuroanatomy of rats was examined.
Aside from differences in performance attributable to generalized malaise following exposure to DFP, the only differences in male sexual behavior were generalized decrements that developed in animals receiving multiple high doses of DFP with accompanying atropine sulfate and 2-PAM prophylaxis. This decrement developed well after exposure had terminated and was not likely due to continued inhibition of cholinesterase.
No long-term differences attributable to DFP were noted in female sexual behavior. There was, however, a reduction in reproductive fecundity in female rats exposed to a single moderate dose of DFP without therapeutic treatment.
No long-term differences were detected in general sensory-motor capabilities nor was any neural degeneration noted using a stain for degenerating myelin.
The presence of late developing behavioral differences in the absence of blatant neuroanatomical degeneration suggests the possibility of a diffuse but pervasive pattern of neural damage following exposure to DFP.
