Rotenone

Rotenone (CAS number83-79-4) is a colorless-to-red, odorless solid. In solution it is used as a broad-spectrum insecticidethat works by inhibiting the transfer of electrons from Fe-S centers in Complex I to ubiquinone (see electron transfer chain)). This prevents NADHfrom being converted into usable cellular energy (ATP).

Rotenone is commonly used in powdered form to treat parasiticmiteson chickensand other fowl. It also stuns or kills fishand is used to eradicate exotic fish from their non-native habitats. It is toxic to humansand other mammals. However, it breaks downwhen exposed to sunlight and has a short lifetime (a week or less) in the environment.

Rotenone is produced by extraction from the roots, seeds, and leaves of certain tropicallegumes. People have been known to catch fish by extracting rotenone from plants and releasing it into water.

Rotenone and Parkinson's Disease

Research has shown a correlation between intravenousrotenone and Parkinson's Disease, in rats. The study does not suggest that rotenone exposure is responsible for Parkinson's Disease in humans, but is consistent with the belief that chronic exposure to environmental toxins can increase the likelihood of the disease.

External links

• Summary of the article by Dr. Greenamyre on pesticides and Parkinson's Disease
• Relationship Between Rotenone Use in Fisheries Management and Parkinson's Disease
• Rotenone, Molecule of the Month.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotenone Wikipedia article Rotenone.