The effect of parathion on red blood cell acetylcholinesterase in the Wistar rat

Organophosphorus (op) pesticide poisoning is a significant problem worldwide. research into new antidotes for these acetylcholinesterase inhibitors,and even optimal doses for current therapies,is hindered by a lack of standardized animal models. in this study,we sought to characterize the effects of the op pesticide parathion on acetylcholinesterase in a wistar rat model that included comprehensive medical care. methods. male wistar rats were intubated and mechanically ventilated and then poisoned with between 20 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of intravenous parathion. upon developing signs of poisoning,the rats were treated with standard critical care,including atropine,pralidoxime chloride,and midazolam,for up to 48 hours. acetylcholinesterase activity was determined serially for up to 8 days after poisoning. results. at all doses of parathion,maximal depression of acetylcholinesterase occurred at 3 hours after poisoning. acetylcholinesterase recovered to nearly 50% of baseline activity by day 4 in the 20 mg/kg cohort and by day 5 in the 40 and 60 mg/kg cohorts. at day 8,most rats' acetylcholinesterase had recovered to roughly 70% of baseline. these data should be useful in developing rodent models of acute op pesticide poisoning. © 2016 naofumi bunya et al.