In vitro cysteine reactivates organophosphate insecticide dichlorvos-inhibited human cholinesterases

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Organophosphate [OP] pesticides inhibit both red blood cell [RBC] and plasma cholinesterases [ChEs]. Oximes, especially pralidoxime [2-PAM], are widely used as antidotes to treat OP poisoning. In addition, N-acetylcysteine [NAC] is sometimes used as an adjuvant antidote. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility of using NAC as a single therapeutic agent for OP poisoning in comparison to in vitro 2-PAM