In vivo experimental approach to treatment against tabun poisoning

Abstract

Organophosphorus compounds pose a potential threat to both military and civilian populations. Since post-exposure therapy has its limitations, our research was focused on the possibility of improving pretreatment in order to limit the toxic effects of tabun. We determined the protective index of various combinations of atropine, oximes (K074, K048, and TMB-4), and pyridostigmine given to mice before tabun intoxication. Although the tested oximes showed very good therapeutic efficacy in tabun-poisoned mice, the given pretreatments improved therapy against tabun poisoning. These regimens ensured survival of all animals up to 25.2 LD₅₀ of tabun. Our results indicate that even pretreatment with atropine alone is sufficiently effective in enhancing the survival of mice poisoned by multiple doses of tabun, if oxime therapy follows. K048 is our oxime of choice for future research, as it shows better protective and reactivating potency.

Keywords::

• Pretreatment
• atropine
• oxime
• pyridostigmine
• mice
• tabun

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Jasna Mileković and Marija Kramarić for technical assistance, and Dado Čakalo for helpful language advice.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia (Grant No. 022-0222148-2139 and No. 022-0222148-2889) and by NATO (CBP.EAP.CLG 983024).