CAS 301-12-2: Oxydemeton-methyl

Demeton-S-methyl sulfoxide is a broad spectrum insecticide that is used to control insects in agriculture and public health. It has been shown to exhibit genotoxic effects, which may be due to its ability to inhibit the activity of the glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzyme. This inhibition blocks the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl coenzyme A, which is required for fatty acid synthesis. Demeton-S-methyl sulfoxide also inhibits the function of ryanodine receptors, which are calcium channels found in muscle cells. The chronic exposure of animals to this chemical causes lung damage and an increased frequency of spontaneous tremors.