The Utility of Human Plasma Derived Butyrylcholinesterase (huBuChE) A Therapeutic Measure in the Absence of Pre-treatment or Conventional Post-poisoning Therapies Against Nerve Agent
Abstract
The aim of this study was to demonstrate, in guinea-pigs in vivo, the utility of huBuChE as a therapy against percutaneous (p.c.) nerve agent poisoning, following which there is a slower absorption of agent than by the inhalation route and consequently a longer "window of opportunity" for therapeutic intervention. The first task was to determine the p.c. toxicity of VR in Dunkin-Hartley guinea-pigs. The 24h LD50 was 0.45mg/kg (0.36 - 0.54 95% CI) and the 48-h LD50 was 0.38 mg/kg (0.31-0.45 95% CI). The second task was to investigate the efficacy of huBuChE therapy following p.c. VR. Following VR (0.6mg/kg, p.c.) guinea-pigs were monitored for the onset of observable signs of systemic cholinergic poisoning. At this time, either huBuChE (24.2 mg/kg) or saline was administered by either the intramuscular or intravenous route. The onset of observable signs of cholinergic therapy used as the trigger for therapy dosing was between 5h and 9h following VR challenge. Preliminary results indicate that therapy using huBuChE via the i.v. route was more effective than therapy via the i.m. route.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA547530
Entities
People
- Helen Mumford
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory