Pretreatment with Huperzine A Protects Acetylcholinesterase in the Rat Brain Against Inhibition by VX and Russian VX

Title: Pretreatment with Huperzine A Protects Acetylcholinesterase in the Rat Brain Against Inhibition by VX and Russian VX

Volume: 6 Issue: 8

Author(s): Jana Zdarova Karasova, Jiri Bajgar, Ladislav Novotny and Kamil Kuca

Affiliation:

Keywords: Huperzine A, VX, Russian VX, Brain, Nerve agent, Acetylcholinesterase, Pretreatment

Abstract: Organophosphate nerve agents are still considered as potential threats in both military and terrorism situations. They are potent irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase in central and also in peripheral compartment. Huperzine A (Hup A) is a reversible AChE inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is presently approved for human use or is in course of clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimers disease. This compound has also been successfully tested for pretreatment of organophosphate poisoning. In this study Hup A was tested as a prophylaxis against two V-nerve agents (VX and Russian VX). According to the obtained results, Hup A was able to partially protect AChE in the blood, diaphragm and brain against inhibition caused by Russian VX and VX.

Cite this article as:

Karasova Zdarova Jana, Bajgar Jiri, Novotny Ladislav and Kuca Kamil, Pretreatment with Huperzine A Protects Acetylcholinesterase in the Rat Brain Against Inhibition by VX and Russian VX, Letters in Drug Design & Discovery 2009; 6 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157018009789353419