Karasova_2011_Mil.Med.Sci.Lett_80_97

Human serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, EC 3.1.1.8) is currently under advanced development as a pretreatment for organophosphorus (OP) poisoning in human. It was shown to protect mice, rats, guinea pigs, and monkeys against multiple LD50 challenges of OPs nerve agents intoxications. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of the pretreatment by the human BChE in blood and brain after intramuscular intoxication by Russian VX agent (RVX). Purified human BChE was administered intraperitoneally (500 U/kg) 30 minutes before a single dose of RVX corresponding to 1 LD50 (15 g/kg). Changes in cholinesterases activities were assessed by standard Ellman's method.In conclusion, BChE was not able to absolutely protect acetylcholinesterase against inhibition in blood. On the other hand it was able to reduce toxic effect of RVX in brain. The protection of cholinesterases in brain is important in prophylaxis, because brain damage is inconsistent with survival of intoxicated organisms.