Dimethoate is a kind of commonly used organophosphate insecticide
and acaricide. As other kinds of organophosphate insecticides, it
takes effect through acting as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
being capable of disrupting the normal functioning of central
nervous system. It is effective upon both contact and ingestion.
However, it should be warned that it has certain toxicity on the
liver and brain through inducing oxidative stress due to the
generation of free radicals and alter the antioxidant defense system
in erythrocytes. This effect can be potentially alleviated by
vitamin E.
