Reactivation of Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Its Therapeutic Benefits in Nerve Agent Intoxication

Abstract

Organophosphorus chemical warfare nerve agents are potent inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Inhibition of AChE at nerve terminals in peripheral tissues and the central nervous system (CNS) results in acetylcholine (ACh) overload and, depending on the extent of enzyme inhibition, cholinergic crisis. Current treatment strategies for nerve agent intoxication consist of using an oxime such as pyridine-2-aldoxime methylchloride (2-PAM) to reactivate the inhibited AChE and the anticholinergic drug atropine sulfate to antagonize the effects of excess ACh at muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA539634

Entities

People

  • Donald M. Maxwell
  • Irwin Koplovitz
  • John H. McDonough
  • Robert K. Kan
  • Tsung-Ming Shih

Organizations

  • United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acetylcholinesterases
  • Biomedical Research
  • Central Nervous System
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Department Of Defense
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Enzymes
  • Information Operations
  • Medical Countermeasures
  • Nerve Agents
  • Nervous System
  • Poisoning

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Neurotoxicology