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Science 30 October 1964:
Vol. 146. no. 3644, pp. 657 - 658
DOI: 10.1126/science.146.3644.657
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Articles

DDT: A New Hypothesis of Its Mode of Action

R. D. O'Brien 1 and Fumio Matsumura 1

1 Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

It is suggested that DDT and perhaps other chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides owe their activity to the formation of a charge-transfer complex with a component of the nerve axon, with consequent disturbance of function. Experimental evidence is provided for the formation of two complexes with components of cockroach nerve; the complexes have been partially purified. Their formation is accompanied by an absorption in the 245- to 270-millimicron range.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Binding of DDT to Lecithin.
I. J. Tinsley, R. Haque, and D. Schmedding (1971)
Science 174, 145-147
   Abstract »    PDF »
DDT: Participation in Ultraviolet-Detectable, Charge-Transfer Complexation.
W. E. Wilson, L. Fishbein, and S. T. Clements (1971)
Science 171, 180-182
   Abstract »    PDF »
Antagonism by DDT of the Effect of Valinomycin on a Synthetic Membrane.
B. D. Hilton and R. D. O'Brien (1970)
Science 168, 841-843
   Abstract »    PDF »
DDT: Interaction with Nerve Membrane Conductance Changes.
T. Narahashi and H. G. Haas (1967)
Science 157, 1438-1440
   Abstract »    PDF »
Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity: Effect in vitro of Some Pesticidal Chemicals.
C. R. Sova (1966)
Science 154, 1661-1662
   Abstract »    PDF »
Dieldrin: Interaction with Nerve Components of Cockroaches.
F. Matsumura and M. Hayashi (1966)
Science 153, 757-759
   Abstract »    PDF »


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