Abstract

The phosphorylation of the serine hydroxyl group in the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inactivates this essential enzyme in neurotransmission. Oximes are reactivators of AChE phosphorylated by organophosphorus compounds (OP) including insecticides and nerve agents. The effectiveness of oxime-assisted reactivation is primarily attributed to the nucleophilic displacement rate of organophosphate, but efficiency varies with the structure of the bound

Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase, antidote, bioscavenger, butyrylcholinesterase, nerve agents, tabun, oxime, treatment