Rutland_1958_Br.J.Pharmacol.Chemother_13_399

The effects of monoisonitrosoacetone (MINA), diacetylmonoxime (DAM) and pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide (P2AM) upon the cholinesterase of sarin poisoned rats have been studied. Monoisonitrosoacetone and diacetylmonoxime given before sarin protected blood and brain cholinesterase from inhibition. Monoisonitrosoacetone given after the appearance of signs of poisoning caused a rapid reactivation of brain cholinesterase. Diacetylmonoxime, at an equimolar dose, produced only a slight increase in enzyme activity, and pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide, the best reactivator in vitro, reactivated blood but not brain cholinesterase. There is a relationship between protection and reactivation of brain cholinesterase and prevention and alleviation of signs of poisoning.