Reactivator Report for: K027

Oxime-based acetylcholinesterase reactivators (briefly oximes) regenerate organophosphate-inactivated acetylcholinesterase and restore its function. Poor blood-brain-barrier passage and fast elimination from blood limit their actual use in treatment of patients exposed to organophosphates. Previous in vitro results implicated further testing of cucurbit[7]uril as a delivery vehicle for bisquaternary oximes. The present paper focuses on cell toxicity, in vivo safety and influence of cucurbit[7]uril on oxime pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Neither the K027 nor the complex caused any cell toxicity, changes in blood biochemistry or hepato- or nephrotoxicity in tested concentrations. The encapsulation of K027 increased and accelerated the blood-brain-barrier penetration. The peripheral oxime exposure also increased, supporting the suggestion that cucurbit[7]uril protects the circulating oxime from rapid renal clearance. Contrary to the comparable in vitro reactivation power of K027 and the encapsulated K027, we failed to confirm this in vivo. In theory, this might result from the non-specific binding of molecules to the cucurbit[7]uril or the interaction of K027 with cucurbit[7]uril being too strong for acetylcholinesterase reactivation. Precise explanation requires additional in silico, in vitro and also in vivo experiments.

K-oximes were developed as modern drug candidates acting as AChE reactivators. In this study, it has been investigated which interspecies and intergender differences changes could be observed in Wistar rats and Swiss mice, both genders, after the treatment with increasing doses of selected acetylcholinesterase reactivators - asoxime, obidoxime, K027, K048, and K075. After the 24h, a number of died animals was counted and the median lethal dose (LD50) for each oxime was calculated. By using the intramuscular route of administration, asoxime and K027 had the least toxicity in female rats (640.21mg/kg and 686.08mg/kg), and in female mice (565.75mg/kg and 565.74mg/kg), respectively. Moreover, asoxime and K027 showed 3, 4 or 8 times less acute toxicity in comparison to K048, obidoxime and K075, respectively. Beyond, K075 had the greatest toxicity in male rats (81.53mg/kg), and in male mice (57.34mg/kg), respectively. Our results can help to predict likely adverse toxic effects, target organ systems and possible outcome in the event of massive human overexposure, and in establishing risk categories or in dose selection for the initial repeated dose toxicity tests to be conducted for each oxime.

Poisoning with organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) is a major problem worldwide. Standard therapy with atropine and established oxime-type enzyme reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime) is unsatisfactory. In search of more efficacious broad-spectrum oximes, new bispyridinium (K-) oximes have been synthesized, with K027 being among the most promising. This review summarizes pharmacokinetic characteristics of K027, its toxicity and in vivo efficacy to protect from OPC toxicity and compares this oxime with another experimental bisquaternary asymmetric pyridinium aldoxime (K048) and two established oximes (pralidoxime, obidoxime). After intramuscular (i.m.) injection, K027 reaches maximum plasma concentration within approximately 30 min; only approximately 2% enter the brain. Its intrinsic cholinesterase inhibitory activity is low, making it relatively non-toxic. In vitro reactivation potency is high for ethyl-paraoxon-, methyl-paraoxon-, dichlorvos-, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP)- and tabun-inhibited cholinesterase. When administered in vivo after exposure to the same OPCs, K027 is comparable or more efficacious than pralidoxime and obidoxime. When given as a pretreatment before exposure to ethyl-paraoxon, methyl-paraoxon, DFP, or azinphos-methyl, it is superior to the Food and Drug Administration-approved compound pyridostigmine and comparable to physostigmine, which because of its entry into the brain may cause unwanted behavioral effects. Because of its low toxicity, K027 can be given in high dosages, making it a very efficacious oxime not only for postexposure treatment but also for prophylactic administration, especially when brain penetration is undesirable.

Oxime-based acetylcholinesterase reactivators (briefly oximes) regenerate organophosphate-inactivated acetylcholinesterase and restore its function. Poor blood-brain-barrier passage and fast elimination from blood limit their actual use in treatment of patients exposed to organophosphates. Previous in vitro results implicated further testing of cucurbit[7]uril as a delivery vehicle for bisquaternary oximes. The present paper focuses on cell toxicity, in vivo safety and influence of cucurbit[7]uril on oxime pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Neither the K027 nor the complex caused any cell toxicity, changes in blood biochemistry or hepato- or nephrotoxicity in tested concentrations. The encapsulation of K027 increased and accelerated the blood-brain-barrier penetration. The peripheral oxime exposure also increased, supporting the suggestion that cucurbit[7]uril protects the circulating oxime from rapid renal clearance. Contrary to the comparable in vitro reactivation power of K027 and the encapsulated K027, we failed to confirm this in vivo. In theory, this might result from the non-specific binding of molecules to the cucurbit[7]uril or the interaction of K027 with cucurbit[7]uril being too strong for acetylcholinesterase reactivation. Precise explanation requires additional in silico, in vitro and also in vivo experiments.

DDVP-inhibited rat diaphragm AChE reactivation by oxime K027/K203 was dose-dependent. Dose-response relationships were described by 4-parameter exponential and Hill models. Maximum size of DDVP-inhibited AChE reactivation by K-oximes was 2.1-fold. Oxime K027 had 5-fold higher relative reactivating potency compared to oxime K203.

K-oximes were developed as modern drug candidates acting as AChE reactivators. In this study, it has been investigated which interspecies and intergender differences changes could be observed in Wistar rats and Swiss mice, both genders, after the treatment with increasing doses of selected acetylcholinesterase reactivators - asoxime, obidoxime, K027, K048, and K075. After the 24h, a number of died animals was counted and the median lethal dose (LD50) for each oxime was calculated. By using the intramuscular route of administration, asoxime and K027 had the least toxicity in female rats (640.21mg/kg and 686.08mg/kg), and in female mice (565.75mg/kg and 565.74mg/kg), respectively. Moreover, asoxime and K027 showed 3, 4 or 8 times less acute toxicity in comparison to K048, obidoxime and K075, respectively. Beyond, K075 had the greatest toxicity in male rats (81.53mg/kg), and in male mice (57.34mg/kg), respectively. Our results can help to predict likely adverse toxic effects, target organ systems and possible outcome in the event of massive human overexposure, and in establishing risk categories or in dose selection for the initial repeated dose toxicity tests to be conducted for each oxime.

Poisoning with organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) is a major problem worldwide. Standard therapy with atropine and established oxime-type enzyme reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime) is unsatisfactory. In search of more efficacious broad-spectrum oximes, new bispyridinium (K-) oximes have been synthesized, with K027 being among the most promising. This review summarizes pharmacokinetic characteristics of K027, its toxicity and in vivo efficacy to protect from OPC toxicity and compares this oxime with another experimental bisquaternary asymmetric pyridinium aldoxime (K048) and two established oximes (pralidoxime, obidoxime). After intramuscular (i.m.) injection, K027 reaches maximum plasma concentration within approximately 30 min; only approximately 2% enter the brain. Its intrinsic cholinesterase inhibitory activity is low, making it relatively non-toxic. In vitro reactivation potency is high for ethyl-paraoxon-, methyl-paraoxon-, dichlorvos-, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP)- and tabun-inhibited cholinesterase. When administered in vivo after exposure to the same OPCs, K027 is comparable or more efficacious than pralidoxime and obidoxime. When given as a pretreatment before exposure to ethyl-paraoxon, methyl-paraoxon, DFP, or azinphos-methyl, it is superior to the Food and Drug Administration-approved compound pyridostigmine and comparable to physostigmine, which because of its entry into the brain may cause unwanted behavioral effects. Because of its low toxicity, K027 can be given in high dosages, making it a very efficacious oxime not only for postexposure treatment but also for prophylactic administration, especially when brain penetration is undesirable.

Standard treatment of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) poisoning includes administration of an anti-muscarinic (atropine), anticonvulsive (diazepam) and acetylcholinesterase reactivator (oxime). From a wide group of newly synthesized oximes, oxime K027 and oxime K203 seem to be perspective compounds in some specific OPs intoxication. The available in vitro and in vivo preclinical data indicate that both oximes may be considered for potential human use. The main aim of this study was to establish plasmatic concentration curves of both oximes after intramuscular (i.m.) and intragastric (i.g.) application with subsequent pharmacokinetic analysis and study distribution after (i.m.) application on a non-rodent animal model (experimental pigs; 1500mg/animal). According to the results, both oximes had similar Cmax (K027: 106+/-19mug/mL and K203: 111+/-8mug/mL) in Tmax 19+/-5min, respectively, in 22+/-3min. Bioavailability of oxime K027 calculated as AUCtotal (8389+/-1024minmug/mL) was halved compared to oxime K203 (16938+/-795minmug/mL). The highest concentration from peripheral tissues was found in the kidney and lung, but the brain concentrations stay very low, the plasma/brain ratio being approximately 1%. The applied doses were derived from the recommendation where it is possible to use three autoinjectors to save human life. The results provide us with knowledge about the pharmacokinetics and distribution of these new oximes and may help us to better estimate the human pharmacokinetic profile.

As oxime-based structures are the only causal antidotes to organophosphate (OP)-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the majority of studies on these have been directed towards their synthesis and testing. In this study, experimental bispyridinium oximes K027 and K203, which have shown promising results in the last decade of research, were examined in vivo for their therapeutic and reactivating ability in acute poisoning by the direct AChE-inhibitor dichlorvos (DDVP), used as a dimethyl OP structural model. Additionally, the efficacy of oximes K027 and K203 was compared with the efficacy of four oximes (pralidoxime, trimedoxime, obidoxime and HI-6), already used in efficacy experiments and human medicine. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy, groups of Wistar rats were treated with equitoxic doses of oximes (5% LD50, i.m.) and/or atropine (10mg/kg, i.m.) immediately after s.c. DDVP challenge (4-6 doses). Using the same antidotal protocol, AChE activity was measured in erythrocytes, diaphragm and brain 60min after s.c. DDVP exposure (75% LD50). The oxime K027 was the most efficacious in reducing the DDVP induced lethal effect in rats, while the oxime K203 was more efficacious than trimedoxime, pralidoxime and HI-6. Significant reactivation of DDVP inhibited AChE was achieved only with oxime K027 or its combination with atropine in erythocytes and the diaphragm. Moreover, the acute i.m. toxicity of oxime K027 in rats was lower than all other tested oximes. The results of this study support previous studies considering the oxime K027 as a promising experimental oxime structure for further testing against structurally-different OP compounds.

This paper reviews the blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration of newly developed pyridinium aldoximes. Pyridinium aldoximes are highly charged hydrophilic compounds used in the treatment of subjects exposed to organophosphonates because they are effective as acetylcholinesterase reactivators. Pyridinium aldoximes have antidotal effects against poisoning with cholinesterase inhibitors, a frequent problem affecting people working with organophosphate-based insecticides and pesticides. Toxic organophosphonate products such as sarin and tabun can be used by terrorists as chemical warfare agents. This poses a severe challenge to all innocent and peace-loving people worldwide. This review gives a brief summary of BBB transporters and description of the current in vitro and in vivo methods for the characterization of BBB penetration of established and novel pyridinium aldoximes. The authors provide a putative mechanism of penetration, outline some future ways of formulation and discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of increasing BBB penetration. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Organophosphorus compounds (organophosphates and organophosphonates) exert their toxicity by phosphylating (i.e. either phosphorylating or phosphonylating) the serine hydroxyl group of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in its active center, thereby inhibiting this enzyme, which inactivates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). This results in an accumulation of ACh and an "endogenous ACh poisoning". Oximes, which can reactivate the inhibited enzyme by dephosphylation, are used in the therapy of organophosphorus compound poisoning. During the reactivation process, oximes become themselves phosphylated. Many of these phosphylated oximes are extremely potent AChE inhibitors, which may reduce their therapeutic efficacy. K-27 is a very promising experimental oxime. In the present study, logP values of phosphylated K-27 are estimated after "in-silico exposure" to a number of organophosphorus esters [ethyl-paraoxon, methyl-paraoxon, diisopropyl-fluoro-phosphate, VX, soman, tabun, sarin, cyclosarin]. These logP values are compared with those of the native oxime and possible therapeutic relevance is discussed. While our previously published data regarding obidoxime and pralidoxime show that phosphylation increases their lipophilicity, facilitating penetration into the brain where they can inhibit or re-inhibit enzymes, this conclusion does not hold with respect to K-27; phosphylation of K-27 does not generally increase lipophilicity. Possible consequences with regard to blood-brain-barrier passage, toxicity and therapeutic efficacy are discussed.

The treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning consists of the administration of a parasympatholytic agent (e.g., atropine), an anticonvulsant (e.g., diazepam) and an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivator (e.g., obidoxime). The AChE reactivator is the causal treatment of OP exposure, because it cleaves the OP moiety covalently bound to the AChE active site. In this paper, fourteen novel AChE reactivators are described. Their design originated from a former promising compound K027. These compounds were synthesized, evaluated in vitro on human AChE (hAChE) inhibited by tabun, paraoxon, methylparaoxon and DFP and then compared to commercial hAChE reactivators (pralidoxime, HI-6, trimedoxime, obidoxime, methoxime) or previously prepared compounds (K027, K203). Three of these novel compounds showed a promising ability to reactivate hAChE comparable or better than the used standards. Consequently, a molecular docking study was performed for three of these promising novel compounds. The docking results confirmed the apparent influence of pi-pi or cation-pi interactions and hydrogen bonding for reactivator binding within the hAChE active site cleft. The SAR features concerning the non-oxime part of the reactivator molecule are also discussed.

The antidotal treatment of organophosphorus poisoning is still a problematic issue since no versatile antidote has been developed yet. In our study, we focused on an interesting property, which does not relate to the reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of some oximes, but refers to their anti-muscarinic effects which may contribute considerably to their treatment efficacy. One standard reactivator (HI-6) and two new compounds (K027 and K203) have been investigated for their antimuscarinic properties. Anti-muscarinic effects were studies by means of an in vitro stimulated atrium preparation (functional test), the [(3)H]-QNB binding assay and G-protein coupled receptor assay (GPCR, beta-Arrestin Assay). Based on the functional data HI-6 demonstrates the highest anti-muscarinic effect. However, only when comparing [(3)H]-QNB binding results and GPCR data, K203 shows a very promising compound with regard to anti-muscarinic potency. The therapeutic impact of these findings has been discussed.

Current treatment of organophosphorus poisoning, resulting in overstimulation and desensitization of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors by acetylcholine (ACh), consists of the administration of atropine and oxime reactivators. However, no versatile oxime reactivator has been developed yet and some mortality still remains after application of standard atropine treatment, probably due to its lack of antinicotinic action. In our study, we focused on the interesting non-acetylcholinesterase property of oximes, i.e. antinicotinic effect of reactivators. Two standard reactivators (HI-6, obidoxime) and two new compounds (K027 and K203) were chosen for in vitro (patch clamp) and in vivo (nerve-evoked muscle contraction) testings. Both examinations showed antinicotinic effects of the reactivators. In vitro inhibition of acetylcholine-evoked currents by obidoxime, HI-6 and K203 was equivalent while K027 was less potent. Similar order of potency was observed by the in vivo examinations. We thus confirm previous in vitro results, which describe antinicotinic effects of oxime reactivators, and furthermore, we show in vivo antagonism of oxime reactivators exerted by the inhibition of ACh effect on the nicotinic receptor in the neuromuscular junction. Taking together, the effects of tested oxime reactivators indicate an antagonism on both embryonic and adult form of the muscle nicotinic receptors.

A toxic effect of highly toxic nervous agents is irreversible inhibition of vitally important enzyme acethylcholinesterase (AChE). Inhibition of AChE results in accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) at the synaptic cleft of the cholinergic neurons, leading to overstimulation of cholinergic receptors. The highly toxic nature of tabun has been known for many years, but there are still serious limitations to the antidotal therapy. In this paper a bispyridinium compound K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(-4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide] was tested as potential antidote in tabun poisoned mice. Oxime TMB-4 was included for comparison. The therapeutic efficacy of applied antidotal regimens was tested as pretreatment given 15 min before tabun poisoning and/or as therapy given 1 min after tabun poisoning. Using oxime K027 (25% of its LD(50)) plus atropine as both, pretreatment and therapy, we showed that this combination can protect mice 8 times better than the therapy alone. Under these experimental conditions we confirmed good antidotal efficacy of K027. Moreover, its low acute toxicity is as much as beneficial effect in contrast to high toxicity of currently used TMB-4.

Oxime K027 is a low-toxic bisquaternary compound originally developed as a reactivator of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibited by nerve agents. The reactivation potency of K027 has been tested as a potential reactivator of AChE inhibited by tabun, sarin, cyclosarin, soman, VX, Russian VX, paraoxon, methylchlorpyrifos, and DDVP. The results show that oxime K027 reactivated AChE inhibited by almost all tested inhibitors to more than 10%, which is believed to be enough for saving the lives of intoxicated organisms. In the case of cyclosarin- and soman-inhibited AChE, oxime K027 did not reach sufficient reactivation potency.

The nerve agent tabun inhibits the essential enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by a rapid phosphoramidation of the catalytic serine residue. Oximes, such as K027 and HLo-7, can reactivate tabun-inhibited human AChE (tabun-hAChE) whereas the activity of their close structural analogue HI-6 is notably low. To investigate HI-6, K027 and HLo-7, residues lining the active-site gorge of hAChE were substituted and the effects on kinetic parameters for reactivation were determined. None of the mutants (Asp74Asn, Asp74Glu, Tyr124Phe, Tyr337Ala, Tyr337Phe, Phe338Val and Tyr341Ala) were able to facilitate HI-6-mediated reactivation of tabun-hAChE. In contrast, Tyr124Phe and Tyr337Phe induce a 2-2.5-fold enhancement of the bimolecular rate constant for K027 and HLo-7. The largest effects on the dissociation constant (3.5-fold increase) and rate constant (20-fold decrease) were observed for Tyr341Ala and Asp74Asn, respectively. These findings demonstrate the importance of residues located distant from the conjugate during the reactivation of tabun-hAChE.

Organophosphonates such as isopropyl metylphosphonofluoridate (sarin) are extremely toxic as they phosphonylate the catalytic serine residue of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme essential to humans and other species. Design of effective AChE reactivators as antidotes to various organophosphonates requires information on how the reactivators interact with the phosphonylated AChEs. However, such information has not been available hitherto because of three main challenges. First, reactivators are generally flexible in order to change from the ground state to the transition state for reactivation; this flexibility discourages determination of crystal structures of AChE in complex with effective reactivators that are intrinsically disordered. Second, reactivation occurs upon binding of a reactivator to the phosphonylated AChE. Third, the phosphorous conjugate can develop resistance to reactivation. We have identified crystallographic conditions that led to the determination of a crystal structure of the sarin(nonaged)-conjugated mouse AChE in complex with [(E)-[1-[(4-carbamoylpyridin-1-ium-1-yl)methoxymethyl]pyridin-2-ylidene]methyl]-o xoazanium dichloride (HI-6) at a resolution of 2.2 A. In this structure, the carboxyamino-pyridinium ring of HI-6 is sandwiched by Tyr124 and Trp286, however, the oxime-pyridinium ring is disordered. By combining crystallography with microsecond molecular dynamics simulation, we determined the oxime-pyridinium ring structure, which shows that the oxime group of HI-6 can form a hydrogen-bond network to the sarin isopropyl ether oxygen, and a water molecule is able to form a hydrogen bond to the catalytic histidine residue and subsequently deprotonates the oxime for reactivation. These results offer insights into the reactivation mechanism of HI-6 and design of better reactivators.

Introduction. The new K-oximes, K-27 [1-(4-hydroxyimino-methylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide] and K-48 [1-(4-hydroxyimino-methylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide], show good in vitro efficacy in protecting acetylcholinesterase from inhibition by different organophosphorus compounds (OPCs), including nerve agents. To assess their efficacy in vivo, the extent of oxime-conferred protection from mortality induced by diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) was quantified and compared with that of five established oximes. Materials and Methods. Rats received DFP intraperitoneally in a dosage of 6, 8, or 10 micromol/rat and immediately thereafter intraperitoneal injections of K-27, K-48, pralidoxime, obidoxime, trimedoxime, methoxime, or HI-6. The relative risk (RR) of death over time (48 h) was estimated by Cox survival analysis, comparing results with the no-treatment group. Results. Best protection was observed when K-27 was used, reducing the RR of death to 19% of control RR (p < or = 0.005), whereas obidoxime (RR = 26%, p < or = 0.01), K-48 (RR = 29%, p < or = 0.005) and methoxime (RR = 26%, p < or = 0.005) were comparable. The RR of death was reduced only to about 35% of control by HI-6, to 45% by trimedoxime, and to 59% by 2-PAM (p < or = 0.005). Whereas the differences between the best oximes (K-27, obidoxime, methoxime, and K-48) were not statistically significant; these four oximes were significantly more effective than 2-PAM (p < or = 0.05). The efficacy of K-27 was also significantly higher than that of HI-6, trimedoxime, and 2-PAM (p < or = 0.05). Conclusion. Our data provide further evidence that K-27 is a very promising candidate for the treatment of intoxication with a broad spectrum of OPCs.

The potency of newly developed asymmetric bispyridinium oximes (K027, K048) in reactivating acetylcholinesterase and in eliminating oxidative stress induced by acute exposure to malathion was evaluated in mouse prefrontal cortex using in vivo methods. Malathion (1g/kg, dissolved in saline) was administered subcutaneously. The asymmetric bispyridinium oximes K027 or K048 (1/4 of LD(50), dissolved in saline, i.p.) were administered immediately after malathion and atropine sulfate (20mg/kg, dissolved in saline, i.p.). Control group received saline instead of malathion and antidotes. Acetylcholinesterase activity and biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress (glutathione levels, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity and lipid peroxidation) were evaluated in mouse prefrontal cortex at two different time points (3 or 24 h after malathion poisoning). Malathion administration markedly inhibited cortical acetylcholinesterase activity (around 55%) at 3h after malathion challenge and such inhibition was maintained till 24 h after poisoning. Although neither atropine sulfate nor oximes were able to eliminate cortical acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 3h after malathion poisoning, K027 (in combination with atropine) completely eliminated the inhibitory effect of malathion exposure on cortical acetylcholinesterase activity at 24 h after malathion administration. K048 (in combination with atropine) significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 24 h after malathion poisoning. Even though glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were not affected, malathion administration markedly increased lipid peroxidation in the prefrontal cortex at 24 h after poisoning and the oxime K027 (in combination with atropine) was able to significantly decrease such phenomenon. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate that the newly developed asymmetric bispyridinium oximes K027 and K048 are able to reverse malathion-induced acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mouse prefrontal cortex. Moreover, the ameliorative effect of the oxime K027 on the increased lipid peroxidation observed at 24 h after malathion poisoning suggests a potential link between the hyperstimulation of cholinergic system and oxidative stress in the mouse prefrontal cortex after malathion exposure.

K-27 is a bisquaternary asymmetric pyridinium aldoxime-type cholinesterase reactivator of use in the treatment of poisoning with organophosphorous esterase inhibitors. A sensitive, simple and reliable reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with electrochemical detection was developed for the measurement of K-27 concentrations in rat brain, cerebrospinal fluid, serum and urine samples. Male Wistar rats were treated intramuscularly with K-27 and the samples were collected 60 min later. Separation was carried out on an octadecyl silica stationary phase and a disodium phosphate solution (pH 3.7) containing citric acid, octane sulphonic acid and acetonitrile served as mobile phase. Measurements were carried out at 30 degrees C at E(ox) 0.65 V. The calibration curve was linear through the range of 10-250 ng/mL. Accuracy, precision and the limit of detection calculated were satisfactory according to internationally accepted criteria. Limit of quantitation was 10 ng/mL. The method developed is reliable and sensitive enough for monitoring K-27 levels from different biological samples including as little as 10 microL of cerebrospinal fluid. The method--with slight modification in the composition of the mobile phase--can be used to measure a wide range of other related pyridinium aldoxime-type cholinesterase reactivators.

There is a clear need for broad-spectrum cholinesterase reactivators (active against a multitude of organophosphorus ester enzyme inhibitors) with a higher efficacy than pralidoxime. The purpose of the study was to quantify in vivo the extent of oxime-conferred protection, using methyl-paraoxon [dimethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate; (methyl-POX)] as a cholinesterase inhibitor. There were seven groups of six rats in each cycle of the experiment. Group 1 (G1) received 2 micromol methyl-POX ( approximately LD(50)), the other groups (G2-7) received 2 micromol methyl-POX + one of the six reactivators. The animals were monitored for 48 h and the time of mortality was recorded. The procedure was repeated six times. All substances were applied i.p. The experiments were repeated using 3 and 5 micromol methyl-POX. Mortality data were compared and hazards ratios (relative risks) ranked using the Cox proportional hazards model with methyl-POX dose and group (reactivator) as time-independent covariables. The relative risk of death estimated by Cox analysis (95% CI) in oxime-treated animals when compared with untreated animals, adjusted for methyl-POX dose (high/low) was K-27, 0.58 (0.42-0.80); K-48, 0.60 (0.43-0.83); trimedoxime, 0.76 (0.55-1.04); pralidoxime, 0.88 (0.65-1.20); obidoxime, 0.93 (0.68-1.26); HI-6, 0.96 (0.71-1.31). Only K-27 and K-48 provided statistically significant protection in rats exposed to methyl-POX. Despite the lower inhibitory potency (higher IC(50)) of methyl-POX compared with POX (ratio 4:1), the ability of oxime reactivators to protect from methyl-POX induced mortality was reduced compared with protection from POX (ethyl-analog).

The increased concern about terrorist use of nerve agents prompted us to search for new more effective oximes against tabun and soman poisoning. We investigated the interactions of five bispyridinium oximes: K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide], K048 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide], K033 [1,4-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) butane dibromide], TMB-4 [1,3-bis(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) propane dibromide] and HI-6 [(1-(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium)-2-oxapropane dichloride)] with human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE; E.C. 3.1.1.7) and their effects on tabun- and soman-poisoned mice. All the oximes reversibly inhibited AChE, and the enzyme-oxime dissociation constants were between 17 and 180 microM. Tabun-inhibited AChE was completely reactivated by TMB-4, K027 and K048, with the overall reactivation rate constants of 306, 376 and 673 min(-1)M(-1), respectively. The reactivation of tabun-inhibited AChE by K033 reached 50% after 24h, while HI-6 failed to reactivate any AChE at all. Soman-inhibited AChE was resistant to reactivation by 1mM oximes. All studied oximes protected AChE from phosphorylation with both soman and tabun. In vivo experiments showed that the studied oximes were relatively toxic to mice; K033 was the most toxic (LD50=33.4 mg/kg), while K027 was the least toxic (LD50=672.8 mg/kg). The best antidotal efficacy was obtained with K048, K027 and TMB-4 for tabun poisoning, and HI-6 for soman poisoning. Moreover, all tested oximes showed no cytotoxic effect on several cell lines in concentrations up to 0.8mM. The potency of the oximes K048 and K027 to protect mice from five-fold LD50 of tabun and their low toxicity make these compounds leading in the therapy of tabun poisoning. The combination of HI-6 and atropine is the therapy of choice for soman poisoning.

Oximes are cholinesterase reactivators of use in poisoning with organophosphorus compounds. Pralidoxime (PRX) is used clinically as an adjunct to atropine in such exposure. Clinical experience with PRX (and other oximes) is, however, disappointing and routine use has been questioned. In addition it is known that oximes are not equally effective against all existing organophosphorus compounds. There is a clear demand for 'broad spectrum' cholinesterase reactivators with a higher efficacy than PRX. Over the years new reactivators of cholinesterase of potential clinical utility have been developed. Their chemical structures were derived from those of existing esterase reactivators, especially pralidoxime, obidoxime and HI-6. The purpose of the study was to quantify in vitro the extent of oxime (pralidoxime, K-27, K-33, K-48, methoxime and BI-6) conferred protection, using paraoxon as an inhibitor. Paraoxon (POX), the active metabolite of parathion (O,O-diethyl-O-p-nitro-phenyl phosphorothioate) is a non-neuropathic organophosphate. Red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in whole blood were measured photometrically in the presence of different POX concentrations and the IC50 was calculated. Determinations were repeated in the presence of increasing oxime concentrations. The IC50 of POX increases with the oxime concentration in a linear manner. The calculated IC50 values were plotted against the oxime concentrations to obtain an IC50 shift curve. The slope of the shift curve (tg alpha) was used to quantify the magnitude of the protective effect (nm IC50 increase per microm reactivator). Based on our determinations the new K series of reactivators is far superior to pralidoxime, methoxime and BI-6, K-27 being the outstanding compound with a tg alpha value of 3.7 (nm IC50 increase per microm reactivator) which is approximately 13 times the reactivator ability of PRX. In general there is an (expected) inverse relationship between the binding constant K and the slope of the IC50 shift curve (tg alpha) for all oximes examined. K-27 (the most protective substance judging by the tg alpha) has the lowest K value (highest affinity). In vivo testing of the new oximes as an organophosphate protective agent is necessary.

Oximes are cholinesterase reactivators used in organophosphorus poisoning. Clinical experience with pralidoxime (PRX) and other oximes is disappointing and their routine use has been questioned. In addition it is known that not all oximes are equally effective against all existing organophosphorus compounds. There is a demand for broad-spectrum reactivators with a higher efficacy than PRX. Based on our previous in vitro work the protection conferred by the various new oximes against inhibition by paraoxon as quantified by the IC(50) shift (nM increase in the IC(50) of the inhibitor per microM oxime present) is: 0.3 (PRX), 0.4 (methoxime; MMC-4), 1 (K-33), 1.2 (BI-6), 1.5 (K-48) and 3.7 (K-27). The purpose of the study was to quantify in vivo the extent of oxime-conferred protection, using paraoxon (POX) as a cholinesterase inhibitor and to test whether in vitro efficacy translates to protection from mortality. There were seven groups of six rats in each cycle of the experiment. Group 1 (G1) received 1 micromol POX (approximately LD(75)), the other groups (G2-G7) received 1 micromol POX + of one the six reactivators. The animals were monitored for 48 h and the time of mortality was recorded. The procedure was repeated five times (cycles). All substances were applied i.p. The experiments were repeated using 2, 3, 5 and 10 micromol POX. Mortality data were compared and hazards ratios (relative risks) ranked using the Cox proportional hazards model using POX dose and group (reactivator) as time-independent covariables. The relative risk of death estimated by Cox analysis (95% CI) in oxime treated animals when compared with untreated animals, adjusted for POX dose (high/low) was K-27: 0.26 (0.19-0.35); K-48: 0.34 (0.25-0.45); methoxime: 0.38 (0.29-0.50); BI-6: 0.53 (0.41-0.69); PRX: 0.70 (0.54-0.91); K-33: 0.82 (0.63-1.07). It is concluded that K-27 and K-48 are the most promising new oximes. The compounds with the best results in vitro also confer the best protection in vivo. Further testing using methyl- and propyl-organophosphates are needed.

The nerve agent tabun inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) by the formation of a covalent bond with the enzyme. Afterwards, AChE is not able to fulfil its role in the organism and subsequently cholinergic crisis occurs. AChE reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime and HI-6) as causal antidotes are used for the cleavage of the bond between the enzyme and nerve agent. Unfortunately, their potency for reactivation of tabun-inhibited AChE is poor. The aim of the study was to choose the most potent reactivator of tabun-inhibited AChE. We have tested eight AChE reactivators--pralidoxime, obidoxime, trimedoxime, HI-6, methoxime, Hlo-7 and our newly synthesized oximes K027 and K048. All reactivators were tested using our standard in vitro reactivation test (pH 8, 25 degrees C, time of inhibition by the nerve agent 30 minutes, time of reactivation by AChE reactivator 10 minutes). According to our results, only trimedoxime was able to achieve 50% reactivation potency. However, this relatively high potency was achieved at high oxime concentration (10(-2) M). At a lower concentration of 10(-4) M (the probably attainable concentration in vivo), four AChE reactivators (trimedoxime, obidoxime, K027, and K048) were able to reactivate AChE inhibited by tabun reaching from 10 to 18%.

The potency of newly developed and currently used oximes to reactivate sarin-inhibited acetylcholinesterase was evaluated using in vitro methods. A rat brain homogenate was used as a source of acetylcholinesterase. Significant differences in reactivation potency among all tested oximes were observed. Although the ability of newly developed oximes to reactivate sarin-inhibited acetylcholinesterase does not reach the reactivating potency of the oxime HI-6, the oxime K033 seems to be a more efficacious reactivator of sarin-inhibited acetylcholinesterase than other currently available oximes (pralidoxime, obidoxime) at concentrations (10(-5)-10(-4)M) corresponding to recommended doses in vivo. The results of our study also confirm that the reactivation potency of the tested reactivators depends on many factors, such as (1) the number of pyridinium rings, (2) the number of oxime groups and their position, and (3) the length and the shape of the linkage bridge between pyridinium rings.

In this work, the ability of four newly synthesized oximes--K005 (1,3-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) propane dibromide), K027 (1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide), K033 (1,4-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) butane dibromide) and K048 (1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide) to reactivate acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) inhibited by nerve agents is summarized. Reactivation potency of these compounds was tested using standard in vitro reactivation test. Tabun, sarin, cyclosarin and VX agent were used as appropriate testing nerve agents. Rat brain AChE was used as a source of the enzyme. Efficacies of new reactivators to reactivate tabun-, sarin-, cyclosarin- and VX-inhibited AChE were compared with the currently used AChE reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime and HI-6). Oxime K048 seems to be promising reactivator of tabun-inhibited AChE. Its reactivation potency is significantly higher than that of HI-6 and pralidoxime and comparable with the potency of obidoxime. The best reactivator of sarin-inhibited AChE seems to be oxime HI-6. None of the new AChE reactivators reached comparable reactivation potency. The same results were obtained for cyclosarin-inhibited AChE. However, oxime K033 is also potent reactivator of AChE inhibited by this nerve agent. In the case of VX inhibition, obidoxime and new oximes K027 and K048 seem to be the best AChE reactivators. None from the currently tested AChE reactivators is able to reactivate AChE inhibited by all nerve agents used and, therefore, the search for new potential broad spectrum AChE reactivators is needed.

We have tested four new bisquaternary pyridinium acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) reactivators - K005 (1,3-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) propane dibromide), K033 (1,4-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) butane dibromide), K027 (1 -(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide) and K048 (1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide) as the potential reactivators of AChE inhibited by cyclosarin. Their reactivation potencies were studied using standard in vitro reactivation test. Rat brain homogenate was used as the source of the enzyme. Oxime K033 seems to be the most potent reactivator of cyclosarin-inhibited AChE. Its reactivation potency is significantly higher than the efficacy of all other tested AChE reactivators.

Four new AChE oximes for reactivation of acetylcholinesterase inhibited with tabun - K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide], K005 [1,3-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) propane dibromide], K033 [1,4-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) butane dibromide] and K048 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide] were prepared. Their efficacies to reactivate tabun-inhibited acetylcholinesterase were studied and compared with the currently used acetylcholinesterase reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime and HI-6). Reactivator K048 seems to be promising reactivator of tabun-inhibited AChE. Its reactivation potency is significantly higher than the efficacy of HI-6 and pralidoxime, and comparable with the potency of the obidoxime at human relevant doses.

The ability of a new bisquaternary oxime, K027 (1-[4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium]-3-[carbamoylpyridinium] propane dibromide), to reactivate the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibited by the nerve agents Tabun, sarin and VX was evaluated. Its reactivation potency was compared to the AChE reactivators pralidoxime (2-PAM), obidoxime and HI-6; K027 seems a good reactivator of organophosphates-inhibited AChE. Its reactivation potency is lower compared to the other oximes for reactivation of sarin-inhibited AChE, but it is sufficient to significantly increase the activity of sarin-inhibited AChE. Its reactivation ability is comparable to obidoxime for reactivation of VX- and tabun-inhibited AChE and is higher than the reactivation potency of HI-6, for tabun-inhibited AChE. HI-6 is currently regarded the most promising reactivator of organophosphates-inhibited AChE.

A comparison of one mono- and seven bisquaternary acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by VX agent was performed. As a source of the acetylcholinesterase, a rat brain homogenate was taken. There were significant differences in reactivation potency of all tested oximes. The oxime TO205 seems to be the most efficacious followed by TO046, HI-6, HS-6, K027, obidoxime, MMC and 2-PAM. In addition, the results of this study showed that the reactivation potency of the tested reactivators depends on many factors--such as the number of pyridinium rings, the number of oxime groups and their position, as well as the length and the shape of linkage bridge between two pyridinium rings.