The acute toxicity of OPs is primarily due to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Current therapy for OP poisoning requires resuscitation with the use of atropine, followed by administration of oximes to reactivate AChE, and benzodiazepines to mitigate neurological complications. However, these antidotes have limited effectiveness and between 10 and 40% of patients, depending on the responsible OP, still die even with intensive care support. Furthermore, acute failure of neuromuscular transmission leads to respiratory failure and profound weakness. This failure of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has recently been shown to occur within hours after severe poisoning. The purpose of this grant is to determine the physiologic and immunohistochemical efficacy of the nicotinic receptor antagonist pancuronium in preserving NMJ function and NMJ architecture in a novel rat model of parathion poisoning. This model will mimic the Intermediate Syndrome and consist of intensive care treatment with comprehensive medical therapy, including mechanical ventilation, atropine, 2-PAM, benzodiazepines, and vasopressors. Our central hypothesis is that pharmacologic targeting of the NMJ with pancuronium will improve muscle strength and NMJ structure in a rat model of acute parathion poisoning. Lastly, while these studies are critically applicable to chemical warfare and mass casualty situations, they are also applicable to isolated cases of severe OP poisoning that occur every day in the U.S. and abroad.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
5U01NS083452-02
Application #
8727123
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-J (50))
Program Officer
Jett, David A
Project Start
2013-09-01
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2014-09-01
Budget End
2015-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$679,223
Indirect Cost
$193,120
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Emergency Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
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Bird, Steven B; Krajacic, Predrag; Sawamoto, Keigo et al. (2016) Pharmacotherapy to protect the neuromuscular junction after acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1374:86-93
Rhyee, Sean H; Farrugia, Lynn; Campleman, Sharan L et al. (2015) The Toxicology Investigators Consortium Case Registry--the 2014 Experience. J Med Toxicol 11:388-409
Rhyee, Sean H; Farrugia, Lynn; Wiegand, Timothy et al. (2014) The toxicology investigators consortium case registry-the 2013 experience. J Med Toxicol 10:342-59