Inhibition of the Toxicity of ‘Gammexane’ for Insects

Abstract

During the course of work on the effect of ‘Gammexane’ (pure gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane) on the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrate by fourth-stage mosquito larvæ, it was observed that the concentration of ‘Gammexane’ tolerated in the presence of fat (olive oil) was higher than that in the presence of protein or carbohydrate. Further experiments with fourth-stage larvæ of Aedes œgypti and Culex fatigens confirmed this finding, and it was observed that liquid triglycerides in general provide a degree of protection for larvæ against ‘Gammexane’. The findings of Buxton¹ and Upholt² indicate that this may be a similar phenomenon to that which results in the inactivation of D.D.T. when applied as a larvicide under natural conditions, suggested by Upholt to be due to adsorption by the organic constituents of mud.