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

摘要

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.