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Cornelissen AS, van den Berg RM, Langenberg JP, van Grol M, Bross R, Pittman J, Cochrane L, Savransky V. Effective skin decontamination with RSDL® (reactive skin decontamination lotion kit) following dermal exposure to a Novichok class nerve agent. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 395:111001. [PMID: 38641146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, various poisoning incidents have been reported, involving the alleged use of the so-called Novichok agents, resulting in their addition to the Schedule I list of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Warfare (OPCW). As the physicochemical properties of these agents are different from the 'classical' nerve agents, such as VX, research is needed to evaluate whether and to what extent existing countermeasures are effective. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of RSDL® (Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion Kit) for the neutralization of percutaneous toxicity caused by Novichok agents, both in vitro and in vivo. Experiments showed the three selected Novichok agents (A230, A232, A234) could be degraded by RSDL lotion, but at a different rate. The half-life of A234, in the presence of an excess of RSDL lotion, was 36 min, as compared to A230 (<5 min) and A232 (18 min). Following dermal exposure of guinea pigs to A234, application of the RSDL kit was highly effective in preventing intoxication, even when applied up until 30 min following exposure. Delayed use of the RSDL kit until the appearance of clinical signs of intoxication (3-4 h) was not able to prevent intoxication progression and deaths. This study determines RSDL decontamination as an effective treatment strategy for dermal exposure to the Novichok agent A234 and underscores the importance of early, forward use of skin decontamination, as rapidly as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Cornelissen
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jan P Langenberg
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Marco van Grol
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Rowdy Bross
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - John Pittman
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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Cornelissen AS, Garcia EE, Raulli RE, Laney J, Joosen MJA. A delayed treatment model for the evaluation of scopolamine for VX nerve agent intoxication. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 427:115650. [PMID: 34273408 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Most research on medical countermeasures for nerve agent exposure assumes a military scenario, in which (autoinjector) treatment is envisaged to be available immediately. In a civilian setting however, treatment is delayed until arrival of first-aid responders. This may significantly affect treatment efficacy and the requirements for secondary intensive care. The aim of the current study was to develop a guinea pig model to evaluate the efficacy of delayed treatment following nerve agent exposure. We identified a trigger-to-treat based on a progressive stage of the toxidrome following VX exposure, which was associated with the subsiding of clonic movements. This paradigm resulted in treatment consistently being administered between 15 and 25 min post-exposure. Using the model, we investigated the potential for the anticholinergic scopolamine to act as a delayed treatment either as a standalone treatment, or as an adjunct to delayed treatment with Standard of Care (SOC), containing atropine, 2-PAM, and midazolam. The study provides a framework for a small animal model for evaluating the efficacy of treatment administered at a specific stage of the toxidrome, when immediate treatment is absent. As an adjunct, scopolamine treatment did not result in improved survival, but did show a beneficial effect on recovery, in terms of general posture. As a standalone treatment, scopolamine showed a significant, dose-responsive, beneficial effect on survival and recovery. These promising results warrant additional studies to investigate which observed physiological improvements are relevant for the recovery process and residual injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Cornelissen
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands.
| | - Efrain E Garcia
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), United States
| | - Robert E Raulli
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), United States
| | - Judith Laney
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), United States
| | - Marloes J A Joosen
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
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Thors L, Wigenstam E, Qvarnström J, Bucht A. Efficient agent degradation within skin is important for decontamination of percutaneously exposed VX. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2021; 40:95-102. [PMID: 33759679 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2021.1902342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Following percutaneous exposure to the nerve agent VX, the remaining intact agent within the skin after decontamination is of great concern. Consequently, this leads to prolonged agent release to the blood circulation resulting in sustained intoxication, which may complicate the medical management. The decontamination procedure used should therefore possess the ability for agent removal both on and within the skin. The efficacy of three decontamination procedures was evaluated by measuring VX and the primary degradation product ethyl methyl phosphonic acid (EMPA) penetrated through human skin and the amount remaining within the skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Decontamination was initiated 5 min post-exposure to VX on human dermatomed skin. Experiments were conducted using an in vitro skin penetration model and the amount remaining within the skin was determined by combining the tape-stripping technique and acetylcholinesterase activity measurements. RESULTS In control experiments without decontamination, higher amounts of VX were recovered in the deeper layers of skin compared to EMPA, which was primarily located in the stratum corneum. Both Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL) and the RSDL training kit (TRSDL) significantly reduced the amount of VX within the skin and decreased the penetration through the skin. However, the degradation ability of RSDL was demonstrated to be beneficial by the reduction of intact agents remaining in the skin compared to TRSDL without agent degradation capability. Soapy water decontamination caused a "wash-in" effect of VX with decreased agent amounts within stratum corneum but increased the amount VX penetrated through the skin. CONCLUSION Efficient skin decontamination of VX requires skin decontaminants reaching deeper layers of the skin, and that both absorption and degradation properties are important. In addition, the "wash-in" effect by using soapy water may enhance VX release to the blood circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Thors
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Johanna Qvarnström
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Bucht
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
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Dachir S, Cohen M, Buch H, Kadar T. Skin decontamination efficacy of sulfur mustard and VX in the pig model: A comparison between Fuller's earth and RSDL. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 336:109393. [PMID: 33508307 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Skin decontamination following exposure to chemical agents is a most important component of the individual defense doctrine, removing the agent, ceasing its penetration and preventing secondary contamination of the first responders. The goal of the current study was to compare the efficacy of Reactive Skin Decontaminant Lotion (RSDL) and Fuller's Earth (FE) following exposure to sulfur mustard (SM) and VX, aiming to find the optimal procedure for mass casualty decontamination protocol. Decontamination efficacy was evaluated in pigs by measurement of lesion area and erythema (SM) and cholinesterase inhibition and clinical symptoms (VX). FE and RSDL were highly effective against both agents. Following SM exposure, the two decontaminants demonstrated a significant decrease in lesions' size together with the decrease in exposure duration. Likewise, skin decontamination following exposure to VX with either FE or RSDL resulted in reduction in clinical symptoms and prevention of death. Decontamination was worthwhile even if postponed, up to 30 min (SM) and 2 h (VX). In conclusion, both decontamination products were efficient in ameliorating the toxic effects even though in a different mechanism. Finally, for mass casualty scenario, FE is preferred as a universal decontaminant, considering its safety, ease of use and longer shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomit Dachir
- Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel.
| | - Maayan Cohen
- Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Hillel Buch
- Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Tamar Kadar
- Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
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Pharmacokinetics of Three Oximes in a Guinea Pig Model and Efficacy of Combined Oxime Therapy. Toxicol Lett 2020; 324:86-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Mann TM, Price ME, Whitmore CL, Perrott RL, Laws TR, McColm RR, Emery ER, Tattersall JEH, Green AC, Rice H. Bioscavenger is effective as a delayed therapeutic intervention following percutaneous VX poisoning in the guinea-pig. Toxicol Lett 2017; 293:198-206. [PMID: 29183815 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The prolonged systemic exposure that follows skin contamination with low volatility nerve agents, such as VX, requires treatment to be given over a long time due to the relatively short half-lives of the therapeutic compounds used. Bioscavengers, such as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), have been shown to provide effective post-exposure protection against percutaneous nerve agent when given immediately on signs of poisoning and to reduce reliance on additional treatments. In order to assess the benefits of administration of bioscavenger at later times, its effectiveness was assessed when administration was delayed for 2h after the appearance of signs of poisoning in guinea-pigs challenged with VX (4×LD50). VX-challenged animals received atropine, HI-6 and avizafone on signs of poisoning and 2h later the same combination with or without bioscavenger. Five out of 6 animals which received BChE 2h after the appearance of signs of poisoning survived to the end of the study at 48h, compared with 6 out of 6 which received BChE immediately on signs. All the animals (n=6+6) that received only MedCM, without the addition of BChE, died within 10h of poisoning. The toxicokinetics of a sub-lethal challenge of percutaneous VX were determined in untreated animals. Blood VX concentration peaked at approximately 4h after percutaneous dosing with 0.4×LD50; VX was still detectable at 36h and had declined to levels below the lower limit of quantification (10pg/mL) by 48h in 7 of 8 animals, with the remaining animal having a concentration of 12pg/mL. These studies confirm the persistent systemic exposure to nerve agent following percutaneous poisoning and demonstrate that bioscavenger can be an effective component of treatment even if its administration is delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - H Rice
- CBR, Dstl Porton Down, UK
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de Koning MC, Joosen MJA, Worek F, Nachon F, van Grol M, Klaassen SD, Alkema DPW, Wille T, de Bruijn HM. Application of the Ugi Multicomponent Reaction in the Synthesis of Reactivators of Nerve Agent Inhibited Acetylcholinesterase. J Med Chem 2017; 60:9376-9392. [PMID: 29091431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a new class of reactivators of chemical warfare agent inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with promising in vitro potential was developed by the covalent linkage of an oxime nucleophile and a peripheral site ligand. However, the complexity of these molecular structures thwarts their accessibility. We report the compatibility of various oxime-based compounds with the use of the Ugi multicomponent reaction in which four readily accessible building blocks are mixed together to form a product that links a reactivating unit and a potential peripheral site ligand. A small library of imidazole and imidazolium reactivators was successfully synthesized using this method. Some of these compounds showed a promising ability to reactivate AChE inhibited by various types of CWA in vitro. Molecular modeling was used to understand differences in reactivation potential between these compounds. Four compounds were evaluated in vivo using sarin-exposed rats. One of the reactivators showed improved in vivo efficacy compared to the current antidote pralidoxime (2-PAM).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Franz Worek
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Nachon
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées , 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Marco van Grol
- TNO , Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Timo Wille
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
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8
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Joosen M, van den Berg R, de Jong A, van der Schans M, Noort D, Langenberg J. The impact of skin decontamination on the time window for effective treatment of percutaneous VX exposure. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 267:48-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Rice H, Mann TM, Armstrong SJ, Price ME, Green AC, Tattersall JE. The potential role of bioscavenger in the medical management of nerve-agent poisoned casualties. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 259:175-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Thors L, Koch B, Koch M, Hägglund L, Bucht A. In vitro human skin penetration model for organophosphorus compounds with different physicochemical properties. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 32:198-204. [PMID: 26778740 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A flow-through diffusion cell was validated for in vitro human epidermal penetration studies of organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) applied by infinite dosing. By testing OPCs with similar molecular weight but different physicochemical properties, it was shown that hydrophilic and lipophilic properties are major determinants for the penetration rate. Lipophilic OPCs displayed maximum cumulative penetration in the 20-75% agent concentration range whereas the hydrophilic OPCs displayed maximum cumulative penetration at 10 or 20% agent concentration. Low penetration was observed for all agents at 1% agent concentration or when applied as neat agents. The impact of the receptor solution composition was evaluated by comparing the penetration using receptor solutions of different ratios of ethanol and water. For diluted OPCs, a high concentration of ethanol in the receptor solution significantly increased the penetration compared to lower concentrations. When OPCs were applied as neat agents, the composition of the receptor solution only affected the penetration for one of four tested compounds. In conclusion, the flow-through diffusion cell was useful for examining the penetration of OPCs through the epidermal membrane. It was also demonstrated that the penetration rates of OPCs are strongly influenced by dilution in water and the receptor fluid composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Thors
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - B Koch
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Koch
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - L Hägglund
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - A Bucht
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Joosen MJ, van der Schans MJ, Kuijpers WC, van Helden HP, Noort D. Timing of decontamination and treatment in case of percutaneous VX poisoning: A mini review. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 203:149-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Reiter G, Mikler J, Hill I, Weatherby K, Thiermann H, Worek F. Simultaneous quantification of VX and its toxic metabolite in blood and plasma samples and its application for in vivo and in vitro toxicological studies. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2011; 879:2704-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2011.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Mumford H, Troyer JK. Post-exposure therapy with recombinant human BuChE following percutaneous VX challenge in guinea-pigs. Toxicol Lett 2011; 206:29-34. [PMID: 21620937 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.05.1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Poisoning by nerve agents via the percutaneous (p.c.) route is an issue because the slow absorption of agent could result in poisoning which outlasts the protection provided by conventional pharmacological therapy. The bioscavenger approach is based on the concept of binding nerve agent in the bloodstream, thus preventing nerve agent from reaching the target tissues and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity. One bioscavenger that has been extensively studied is human butyrylcholinesterase (huBuChE). Protexia® is a pegylated form of recombinant huBuChE. We used a guinea-pig model of p.c. nerve agent poisoning, using an implanted telemetry system to collect physiological data. Guinea-pigs were poisoned with the nerve agent VX (0.74 mg/kg) (∼2.5 × LD₅₀). Two hours following VX exposure, Protexia (72 mg/kg) or saline control was administered intramuscularly. All guinea-pigs treated with Protexia (n=8) survived, compared to no survivors in a saline-treated control group (n=8). Survival following VX and Protexia treatment was associated with minimal incapacitation and observable signs of poisoning, and the mitigation or prevention of the detrimental physiological changes (e.g. seizure, bradycardia and hypothermia) observed in control animals. The opportunity for post-exposure treatment may have utility in both civilian and military scenarios, and this is a promising indication for the use of a bioscavenger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Mumford
- Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour Team, Biomedical Sciences Department, Building 4, Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury SP40JQ, UK.
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Mumford H, E. Price M, Lenz DE, Cerasoli DM. Post-exposure therapy with human butyrylcholinesterase following percutaneous VX challenge in guinea pigs. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2011; 49:287-97. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2011.568944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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15
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Determination of threshold adverse effect doses of percutaneous VX exposure in African green monkeys. Toxicology 2011; 279:65-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2010.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Joosen MJ, van der Schans MJ, van Helden HP. Percutaneous exposure to the nerve agent VX: Efficacy of combined atropine, obidoxime and diazepam treatment. Chem Biol Interact 2010; 188:255-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Revised: 06/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Dorandeu F, Taysse L, Boudry I, Foquin A, Hérodin F, Mathieu J, Daulon S, Cruz C, Lallement G. Cutaneous challenge with chemical warfare agents in the SKH-1 hairless mouse. (I) Development of a model for screening studies in skin decontamination and protection. Hum Exp Toxicol 2010; 30:470-90. [PMID: 20547654 DOI: 10.1177/0960327110373615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to lethal chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is no longer only a military issue due to the terrorist threat. Among the CWAs of concern are the organophosphorus nerve agent O-ethyl-S-(2[di-isopropylamino]ethyl)methyl-phosphonothioate (VX) and the vesicant sulfur mustard (SM). Although efficient means of decontamination are available, most of them lose their efficacy when decontamination is delayed after exposure of the bare skin. Alternatively, CWA skin penetration can be prevented by topical skin protectants. Active research in skin protection and decontamination is thus paramount. In vivo screening of decontaminants or skin protectants is usually time consuming and may be expensive depending on the animal species used. We were thus looking for a suitable, scientifically sound and cost-effective model, which is easy to handle. The euthymic hairless mouse Crl: SKH-1 (hr/hr) BR is widely used in some skin studies and has previously been described to be suitable for some experiments involving SM or SM analogs. To evaluate the response of this species, we studied the consequences of exposing male anaesthetized SKH-1 mice to either liquid VX or to SM, the latter being used in liquid form or as saturated vapours. Long-term effects of SM burn were also evaluated. The model was then used in the companion paper (Taysse et al.(1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- F Dorandeu
- Département de Toxicologie et risque chimique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, La Tronche, France.
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Mumford H, Price ME, Cerasoli DM, Teschner W, Ehrlich H, Schwarz HP, Lenz DE. Efficacy and physiological effects of human butyrylcholinesterase as a post-exposure therapy against percutaneous poisoning by VX in the guinea-pig. Chem Biol Interact 2010; 187:304-8. [PMID: 20176007 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Revised: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The physiological effects of human plasma-derived butyrylcholinesterase (huBuChE) administration and its modulation of the effects of percutaneous VX challenge are poorly understood. Percutaneously administered nerve agents are more slowly absorbed than inhaled agents; consequently, signs of poisoning occur later, with a longer duration. Telemetry was used to monitor heart rate, EEG, temperature and activity in guinea-pigs. Treatment with huBuChE at 30 or 120 min following percutaneous VX challenge ( approximately 2.5 x LD(50)) provided 100% protection from lethality. When huBuChE administration was delayed until the onset of observable signs of poisoning only 1 out of 6 animals survived to the end of the experiment at 7 days. This study adds to the body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of huBuChE in animals by describing the successful therapeutic use of a protein bioscavenger as a post-exposure treatment against dermal exposure to VX up to 2h post-exposure. This study simultaneously used telemetric methods to show that the efficacy of huBuChE is linked to the prevention of detrimental physiological changes observed in control VX-treated animals. Post-exposure therapy is a promising additional indication for the concept of use of this material, and one that has particular relevance in a civilian exposure scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Mumford
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK.
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