Interindividual variations in enzymes controlling organophosphate toxicity in man
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Published on: January 7, 2014
E Mutch1, P G Blain, F M Williams
1Toxicology Unit, Medical School, Newcastle University, UK.
Abstract:
1 Interindividual variations in an unexposed population have been defined for five enzymes involved in organophosphate (OP) toxicity. The enzymes measured were: red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lymphocyte neuropathy target esterase (NTE), serum cholinesterase (ChE), serum paraoxonase and serum arylesterase. 2 AChE and arylesterase were normally distributed in the population whilst the distribution of NTE, ChE and paraoxonase deviated significantly from normal. 3 Assay precision and intra-individual variability were measured for each of the enzymes; the effect on interindividual variation was assessed. 4 Variations in enzyme activities between individuals could have profound effects on susceptibility to OP toxicity. Prior determination of these enzymes may be predictive of susceptibility. 5 Lymphocyte NTE has some limitations as an indicator of exposure to neurotoxic OPs.
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