The effects of diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) on the ganglioside profile in the chicken (Gallus domesticus) hindbrain.

The ameliorative effect(s) of exogenous gangliosides on the development of organophosphorus ester-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) suggests that administration of an organophosphorus delayed neurotoxicant could alter the endogenous ganglioside composition of nervous system tissue. To investigate this possibility, White Leghorn hens were injected subcutaneously with diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight and hindbrains (cerebella and brainstems) were removed for analysis of ganglioside concentrations at 4, 7, 14, or 21 days post-dosing. Treatment with DFP resulted in an increase in the proportion of GQ1b from day 4 to day 21 post-dosing which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from the control value at day 21. The proportion of GT1b increased in a similar manner over the 21 day period while the proportion of GD3 decreased over time. These progressive changes in ganglioside composition paralleled increasing hindlimb ataxia characteristic of OPIDN. In addition, the concentrations of protein, total lipid, total cholesterol, and lipid phosphorus in the chicken hindbrain were not affected by administration of DFP, indicating that the changes in ganglioside concentrations were not due to a non-specific effect on lipids.