Combined approach to demonstrate acetylcholinesterase activity changes in the rat brain following tabun intoxication and its treatment

Abstract

Reactivation effects of K203 and currently available oximes (obidoxime, HI-6) in combination with atropine on acetylcholinesterase activities in the brain parts of rats poisoned with tabun were studied. The activity was determined by quantitative histochemical and biochemical methods correlating between them very well. The tabun-induced changes in acetylcholinsterase activity as well as in reactivation potency of reactivators used were different in various parts of the brain. Pontomedullar area seems to be important for observed changes following tabun intoxication and its treatment. From the oximes studied, the reactivation effect of K203 was comparable with obidoxime; HI-6 was ineffective. Combination of bio- and histochemical methods allow fine differentiation among the action of different oximes following tabun poisoning.

Keywords::

• Tabun
• acetylcholinesterase
• rat
• brain parts
• antidotal treatment
• oximes

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank to Mrs. J. Uhlirova for their skilful technical assistance.

Declaration of interest

The study was supported by the grant of Ministry of Defense, MO0FVZ0000501. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.