Muscle Response Of Anticholinesterase-Intoxicated Rats To Different Therapeutic Modalities

BackgroundOrganophosphorus (OP) compound poisoning is a common, serious health problem that results in more than 250 000 deaths yearly worldwide, according to WHO estimates. Traditional use of atropine and oxime has failed to reduce the attendant morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate and intravenous lipid emulsions versus the traditional standard of care - atropine and oxime - on butyrylcholineesterase enzyme (BuChE) activity and find whether there is a correlation between the enzyme level and muscle activity.MethodsAdult female rats were used to study intermediate syndrome and a sublethal toxic dose of dimethoate (60 mg/kg) was used for induction of OP toxicity. Assessment of BuChE level, evaluation of De Bleecker score for muscle activity, and repetitive nerve stimulation test were carried out in all groups.ResultsThe mean BuChE serum level was significantly reduced in the OP-intoxicated group compared with the normal control group. Significant improvement was recorded in the groups treated with oxime and intralipid emulsion. The De Bleecker scale showed elevated scores in all treated groups, and the best result was with oxime and magnesium sulfate. Regarding electrophysiological findings, the most frequently found were repetitive firing after single nerve stimulation and decrement response after repetitive nerve stimulation.ConclusionThis study highlighted possible new trends that could prove beneficial in the management of OP poisoning and in improving the degree of muscle weakness and its impact on respiratory muscles.