Abstract

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is synthesized in the liver and found in high concentrations in blood plasma, liver, heart, pancreas, vascular endothelium, skin, brain white matter, smooth muscle cells and adipocytes. BChE is a non specific enzyme that hydrolyzes different choline esters (succinylcholine, mivacurium) and many other drugs such as aspirin, cocaine and procaine. The enzyme is also considered as a bioscavenger due to its ability to neutralize the toxic effects of organophosphorus compounds (nervous system fs agents) such as soman. BChE displays several polymorphisms that influence its serum activity; therefore they could determine the individual sensitivity to chemical nerve agents. In this study, we investigated the correlation between BChE variants and the degree of enzyme inhibition and reactivation after soman application on blood samples of 726 individuals. The blood samples of individuals expressing abnormal variants, were more sensitive to soman compared to variants of homozygotes and heterozygotes for U-allele. We found significant differences in the degree of enzyme reactivation between different variants (with and without U-presence).

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Dimov D, Kanev K, Dimova I

Institution

Disaster Medicine and Toxicology Deparment, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Source

Acta biochimica Polonica 59:2 2012 pg 313-6

MeSH

Adult
Butyrylcholinesterase
Chemical Warfare Agents
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholinesterase Reactivators
Female
Gene Frequency
Genetic Association Studies
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Oximes
Polymorphism, Genetic
Pyridinium Compounds
Soman

Pub Type(s)

In Vitro
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22696303