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ABSTRACT: Organophosphate compounds act by irreversible inhibition of cholinesterase. In addition to their muscarinic, nicotinic, and
central nervous system effects, some organophosphate insecticides cause oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation
in erythrocytes and by increasing levels of the enzymes Superoxide dismutase and catalase. In this study, the effects of an
antioxidant,N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in organophosphate poisoning were investigated. After obtaining Animal Ethics Committee approval, 16
male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups. Following anesthesia, rats were tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated.
Invasive hemodynamic monitoring was begun and all rats were injected with 70 mg/kg of dichlorvos (DDVP) intraperitoneally.
The rats in group 1 received placebo intravenous 0.9% NaCl and the rats in group 2 received 150 mg/kg intravenous NAC. Blood
samples were obtained before injection of DDVP and 60 minutes after injection to determine levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide
dismutase, and catalase. Hemodynamic data and biochemistry test results were compared by analysis of variance and Wilcoxon
test.P< .05 was regarded as statistically significant. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased
in group 1 while no difference was observed in group 2. It was concluded that organophosphate compounds might cause oxidative
stress by interfering with antioxidant defense mechanisms in erythrocytes and that NAC might prevent increased lipid peroxidation.
In addition to classic treatments, drugs with antioxidant effects might therefore be promising in the treatment of organophosphate
poisoning.
Advances in Therapy 04/2012; 22(2):107-116. · 2.11 Impact Factor
