Organophosphorus nerve agents are highly toxic compounds which strongly inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the blood and in the central nervous system (CNS). Tabun is one of the highly toxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds and is resistant to many oxime drugs formulated for the reactivation of AChE. The reactivation mechanism of tabun-conjugated AChE with various drugs has been examined wit...

Nerve agents are among the most dangereous chemical warfare agents (3, 29, 40, 45). They can be (and have been) misused by terrorists (4, 31). Moreover, the whole spectrum of these agents of the same basic chemical structure covers organophosphorus insecticides (OP) – chemicals easily available, frequently used over the world and causing professional, suicidal or accidental intoxications (4). A...

Symptoms of acute poisoning with nerve agents such as organophosphorus (OP) compounds include general convulsions that could lead to brain damage if uncontrolled. Seizures are believed to be due to hyperactivity of the cholinergic system as a result of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Evidence suggests that the seizure process could also be the result of activation of the N-methyl-d­ ...