Biochemical examination of muscle samples from pheasant embryos affected by Wofatox 50 EC (50% parathion-methyl).

On day 12 of incubation 0.4% and 4.0% aqueous emulsions of Wofatox 50 EC (50% parathion-methyl) were injected into the air space of pheasant eggs. The eggs were opened on day 23 of the incubation period and samples were obtained from both the cervical and the femoral muscles. Atrophy was detected only in the cervical muscles by light microscopic evaluation. Calcium ion concentration was higher in the cervical musculature, but this parameter did not show significant dose-dependent changes. The activity of creatine kinase (CK) was significantly decreased only in the cervical musculature. The obtained biochemical data might result from a secondary atrophy of the cervical muscles.