Methyl parathion induced alterations in GABAergic system during critical stage of central nervous system development in albino rat pups.

Sublethal doses of methyl parathion (o, o-dimethyl-o-nitrophenyl thiophosphate) injected intraperitoneally to 7th day old developing albino rat pups induced alterations in the inhibitory GABAergic system of CNS. A substantial simulation of the inhibitory system was noticed. A profound increase was found in the level of the inhibitory transmitter, GABA on methyl parathion injection. An increase in the activity levels of the enzymes glutamic acid decarboxylase and 4-aminobutyrate-2-oxoglutarate-amino transferase in the cortex, brain stem and spinal cord of the CNS was found. It is observed that methyl parathion causes potentiation of the inhibitory transmission (GABAergic system) in the wake of inducing suppression of cholinergic system in CNS of developing rat pups.