Induction of microsomal cytochrome P450s by tire-leachate compounds, habitat components of Aedes albopictus mosquito larvae

Benzothiazole (BZT) and its derivatives are the major leachate compounds of automobile tires, the principal breeding habitat of Aedes albopictus, particularly in the United States. Effects of the compounds on insecticide toxicity, and activities and expression of microsomol cytochrome P450s (P450s) in the mosquito larvae were examined. Mosquito larvae were more tolerant to carbaryl, rotenone, and temephos when they were pre-exposed to tire-leachate compounds, particularly BZT. There was no change in toxicity from the aldrin treatment by BZT. The effect of BZT was reversed when a P450 inhibitor, piperonyl butoxide, was applied in admixture with the insecticides. Microsomes from BZT-treated larvae had increased peroxidation activity of tetramethylbenzidine. This correlated with increased intensity of SDS-PAGE protein bands corresponding to molecular weights of 59 and 62 kD, which were detected as heme-containing proteins, a characteristic of P450s. The results suggest that BZT induces P450s, which detoxify insecticides and thus cause insecticide tolerance in the mosquito larvae. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:71-79, 2002. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.