Effect of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 (Neurobion) on diisopropylfluorophosphate–induced delayed neuropathy in mice

Certain organophosphorus esters such as diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) cause delayed neuropathy by inhibition of neuropathy target esterase (NTE) keeping neuron in normal function. In this study, effects of neurobion alone and in combination with dexamethasone on DFP–induced delayed neuropathy were evaluated. Thirty-five mice were divided to five groups that each group consists 7 mice. Except group1 (Normalgroup), group2 received normal saline and 1h later, 1 mg/kg DFP, groupe3,4 and 5 received 150 mg/kg neurobion, 2mg/kg dexamethasone and 150mg/kg neurobion plus 2mg/kg dexamethasone, respectively and 1h later 1mg/kg DFP. Twenty one days after last injection, mice were killed by decapitation under deep anesthesia. NTE level was determined in brain and though there was no significant difference between groups, neurobion and neurobion plus dexamethasone partly - not significantly (p > 0.05) - were be able to prevent reduction of NTE in brain caused by DFP. Histopathological evaluation of sciatic nerves belonged to groups, showed that neurobion and neurobion plus dexamethasone significantly suppressed harmful effect of DFP e.g. demyelination and micro-cavitation in nerve. We also evaluated activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), concentration of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum. Results showed dexamethasone (p< 0.001) and dexamethasone in combination with neurobion (p< 0.01) diminished AChE activity compare to DFP group. Neurobion caused significant increase in GSH level (p < 0.05). No significant change in MDA was seen. We suggest that neurobion is better to be added and used in first aid equipment and techniques facing with Organophosphorus compounds e.g. pesticides and chemical warfare.