Pretreatment with Huperzine A Protects Acetylcholinesterase in the Rat Brain Against Inhibition by VX and Russian VX

Organophosphate nerve agents are still considered as potential threats in both military and terrorism situations. They are potent irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase in central and also in peripheral compartment. Huperzine A (Hup A) is a reversible AChE inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is presently approved for human use or is in course of clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This compound has also been successfully tested for pretreatment of organophosphate poisoning. In this study Hup A was tested as a prophylaxis against two V-nerve agents (VX and Russian VX). According to the obtained results, Hup A was able to partially protect AChE in the blood, diaphragm and brain against inhibition caused by Russian VX and VX.