Development of a Rat Diisopropylfluorophosphate-Induced Seizure/Status Epilepticus Model for Screening of Neuroprotectants Following Exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents

Abstract

We have developed a seizure/status epilepticus (SE) rat model using diisopropylfluorophosphate (DEP), an organophosphate (OP) surrogate for chemical warfare nerve agents (CWNA) soman and sarin. Rats were surgically implanted with a radiotelemetry probe that records EEG, ECG, body temperature, and physical activity. After 1 week they were exposed to various concentrations of DFP (1.5-4.0 mg/kg, sc) in the presence of pyridostigmine bromide, 2-PAM and atropine to produce more than 24 h seizure/SE. The successful model involves administration of pyridostigmine bromide (0.026 mg/kg, im) 30 minutes prior to DEP (4.0 mg/kg) followed by a mixture of atropine (0.2 mg/kg) and 2-PAM (25 mg/kg, im). Neuropathology data in the DEP model showed maximum and more severe damage in the amygdala similar to CWNA treated animals. This animal model of seizure/SE can be used for evaluation of neuroprotectants and recombinant bioscavengers, as well as studying the molecular mechanism of neuronal death following exposure to chemical warfare agents.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 17, 2004
Accession Number
ADA449679

Entities

People

  • Jaimee R. Compton
  • Keith H. Steele
  • Lauren M. Tetz
  • Madhusoodana P. Nambiar
  • Richard K. Gordon
  • Ruthie H. Ratcliffe
  • Stacy M. Crawford

Organizations

  • Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acetylcholinesterases
  • Atropine
  • Body Temperature
  • Brain
  • Central Nervous System
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Data Science
  • Epilepsy
  • Medical Personnel
  • Nerve Agents
  • Nervous System
  • Physical Activity
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide
  • Rodents
  • Seizures
  • Spinal Cord

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neurotoxicology