DETECTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ACTIVE METABOLITES OF AGROCHEMICALS ANDRELATED XENOBIOTICS IN ANIMALS (TECHNICAL REPORT)

The production of active metabolites from agrochemicals, particularly pesticides, is a common event and often determines the nature and exte nt of the toxicological responses observed in both target and non-targ et species. The various pathways of mammalian metabolism by which agro chemicals are converted to toxicologically more active metabolites are reviewed and illustrated with examples. Methods to detect, measure an d study active metabolites are discussed. The relative importance of t hese pathways are compared in various test animals and humans and othe r factors influencing the pathways of production and destruction of ac tive metabolites are described. It is concluded that improved approach es to risk assessment are needed for agrochemicals that, where appropr iate, take into account the complexities of their activation reactions and of species differences in the generation and responses to active metabolites.