Effect of N-acetylcysteine on time- dependent biochemical and oxidative changes after acute diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate poisoning in mice

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of an antioxidant, viz., N -acetylcysteine (NAC) against various biochemical and oxidative changes caused by acute diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP) poisoning in mice. Materials and Methods: Effect of NAC (150 mg/kg) alone or in conjunction with atropine (10 mg/kg; 0 min), and/or 2-PAM (30 mg/kg; 0 min) on (i) LD 50 of DFP, (ii) time for onset of signs and symptoms, and death after lethal doses of DFP, and (iii) time- dependent biochemical and oxidative damage after 0.50 LD 50 DFP was investigated in Swiss albino mice. Results: NAC (-60 min) did not confer any additional protection against DFP when measured by protection index (ratio of LD 50 of DFP in protected and unprotected animals). However, NAC (-60 min, 0 min or +5 min) with atropine/ and or 2-PAM significantly delayed the onset of signs and symptoms, and time of death after 2.0 LD 50 DFP. Further, NAC (-60 min) augmented the efficacy of atropine and 2-PAM in normalizing the butyrylcholinesterase and reduced glutathione levels in plasma, and acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels in brain. Conclusion: The study indicates beneficial role of NAC in mitigating the toxicity of OP.