Stereoselective phosphonylation of human serum proteins by soman

Phosphonylation has been reported as part of the degradation of soman in human serum. The concentration of phosphonylation sites can be quantified by comparing the degradation in serum, preincubated with soman (all sites occupied), with the degradation in serum not preincubated. The mean value of 73 nM of phosphonylation sites is in agreement with the concentration of active sites of butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8.), which is known to be phosphonylated by soman. Hence, it is concluded that butyrylcholinesterase accounts for all the phosphonylation sites present in human serum. The stereoselectivity of the reaction was investigated by using epimeric pairs of soman, in casu C(+)P(+/-)- and C(-)P(+/-)-soman. In a first approach enzymatic hydrolysis was blocked and the ratios of phosphonylation rate constants, C(+)P(+)/C(+)P(-) and C(-)P(+)/C(-)P(-), were determined to be 0.15 and 0.31, respectively. In a second approach, in untreated serum, the bimolecular phosphonylation rate constants of C(+)P(-)- and C(-)P(-)-soman were determined, neglecting their small hydrolysis rate and taking advantage of the fast enzymatically catalysed disappearance of their respective P(+)-epimeric counterparts. Values for C(+)P(-)- and C(-)P(-)-soman are 3.6 X 10(7) and 0.6 X 10(7) M-1.min-1, respectively. Using a combination of both approaches, a relative ranking of phosphonylation rates of the four isomers was found to be C(+)P(-) much greater than C(+)P(+) approximately equal to C(-)P(-) greater than C(-)P(+).     

In vitro degradation of the stereoisomers of soman in guinea-pig, mouse and human skin

The fate of the four stereoisomers of soman [C(-)P(+), C(+)P(+), C(+)P(-) and C(-)P(-)] was studied by incubating 10 microM C(+/-)P(+/-)-soman at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees for various periods in the presence or absence of homogenates (1:10 and 1:20 w/v) of guinea-pig, mouse or human skin. The remaining concentrations of the soman isomers were determined gas chromatographically. Similar rates of spontaneous (non-enzymatic) hydrolysis (K = 0.005 min-1) were found for the four isomers of soman. Hydrolysis of the toxic (C(+/-)P(-)-isomers is not accelerated in the presence of the skin homogenates. In contrast, the non-toxic C(+/-)P(+)-isomers are enzymatically hydrolysed. As the amount of proteins present in the homogenates varied the rate constants for enzyme hydrolysis per protein concentration were calculated. Except for the high hydrolysis rate constant of greater than 0.127/min.g.l for C(+)P(+) in human skin, these values were almost similar (0.031-0.045/min.g.l) for the skin homogenates tested. Irreversible binding sites for the four soman-stereoisomers are only found in homogenates of mouse skin; 122-195 pmol soman-isomer are bound per mg protein. After preincubation of mouse homogenate with 10 microM soman during 18 hr at 0-4 degrees no further binding of the isomers was detected. It is concluded that skin of the three species tested does not contain enzymes that degrade the toxic C(+/-)P(-)-isomers of soman, whereas phosphorylphosphatase activity for the C(+/-)P(+)-isomers is present in the skin of all three species. Binding sites for all four soman isomers are only present in mouse skin.     

Stereoselective hydrolysis of soman in human plasma and serum

The contribution of various human serum and plasma fractions to the total hydrolysis rate constants of the four isomers of soman is studied. Spontaneous hydrolysis (as measured in buffer) occurs at a faster rate for the C(+)P(+)- and C(-)P(-)-isomers. A stereoselectively catalyzed hydrolysis of soman occurs in serum fractions IV and V (albumin). In fraction V the C(+)P(+)- and C(-)P(-)-isomers are hydrolyzed at a faster rate than their respective epimers, while in fraction IV-1 a stereoselective effect towards C(+)P(+)-soman is found. All the forementioned contributions, however, are negligible in comparison with the stereoselective enzymatic hydrolysis of the P(+)-isomers. The latter reaction is characterized by a significant lowering of the activation energy as compared with the spontaneous hydrolysis of the P(+)-isomers. Such a lowering in activation energy is not found for the hydrolysis of the P(-)-isomers in whole serum or plasma; hence it can be concluded that a phosphorylphosphatase hydrolyzes the P(+)-isomers in a stereoselective way, the P(-)-isomers either not being affected by this (these) enzyme(s) or the mechanism of catalysis being fundamentally different. This conclusion is in agreement with the observations on the influence of Hg2+ on the hydrolysis of soman in serum; the hydrolysis of the P(+)-isomers is significantly inhibited by 1 mM of Hg2+ while the P(-)-hydrolysis is unaffected by this concentration of Hg2+. The action of some potential inhibitors on this phosphorylphosphatase activity was studied. Iodoacetate did not inhibit nor did Ba2+, Sr2+, Co2+ or Mn2+ show a significant effect on the hydrolysis of the P(+)-isomers. On the other hand the hydrolytic activity in serum was nearly completely inhibited by EDTA but restored upon addition of Ca2+. These findings suggest that this enzymatic activity can be classified as an arylesterase (paraoxonase). Finally, the influence of pH on the hydrolytic activity shows a different pattern for C(+)P(+)- and C(-)P(+)-soman, which may suggest that more than one enzyme is involved in the degradation of soman.     

Phosphonylation of purified human, canine and porcine cholinesterase by soman. Stereoselective aspects

Cholinesterases (EC 3.1.1.8, acylcholine acylhydrolase) from the sera of man, dog and pig were purified 400-600-fold using a combination of ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. In a first approach, phosphonylation by soman was studied by using the half-resolved epimers C(+)P(+/-)-soman and C(-)P(+/-)-soman. The degradation of soman at the nanomolar level was followed in time by determining the remaining soman by capillary gas chromatography with NP detection. In the three sera investigated the P-(-)-epimer phosphonylates at a higher rate than its corresponding P(+)-counterpart and the stereoselectivity is greater for the C(+)-epimers than for the C(-)-epimers. Individual soman isomers were isolated from C(+)- and C(-)-epimers and quantified by gas chromatography. Second-order rate constants were determined for the phosphonylation of purified cholinesterase by isolated soman isomers. The C(+)P(-)-isomer has the highest phosphonylation rate for the three species; the other toxic isomer, C(-)P(-), has a five to ten-fold lower rate. The overall stereoselectivity is more marked in human cholinesterase than in canine. Porcine serum cholinesterase is phosphonylated by the P(-)-isomers at a slightly higher rate than the human enzyme.     

Hydrolysis of the four stereoisomers of soman catalyzed by liver homogenate and plasma from rat, guinea pig and marmoset, and by human plasma

Stereoselective hydrolysis at pH 7.5 and 37 degrees of C(+/-)P(+/-)-soman by liver homogenate and plasma from rat, guinea pig and marmoset, and by human plasma is studied by using the four single stereoisomers. The fast hydrolysis of the C(+/-)P(+)-isomers is monitored titrimetrically, whereas the decay of the much slower reacting C(+/-)P(-)-isomers is followed by gas chromatographic determination of the residual concentration. Values of Km and Vmax are evaluated for the enzymatic hydrolysis of the two relatively nontoxic C(+/-)P(+)-isomers. The plasma enzymes have a high affinity for these isomers (Km: 0.01-0.04 mM); the Km values of the liver enzymes vary between 0.04 and 0.7 mM. Except for rat liver homogenate, only first-order rate constants can be obtained for catalyzed hydrolysis (kc) of the highly toxic C(+/-)P(-)-isomers: most measurements with C(+/-)P(-)-isomer concentrations greater than 0.3 mM are complicated by epimerization to C(+/-)P(+)-isomers, which may conceal enzyme saturation with the C(+/-)P(-)-isomers. The first-order rate constants of catalyzed hydrolysis (Vmax/Km or kc) by all liver homogenates and plasmata decrease in the order: C(+)P(+)- greater than C(-)P(+)- much greater than C(-)P(-)- greater than C(+)P(-)-soman. The highest P(+)-/P(-)-stereoselectivity is found for rat plasma. Rat liver homogenate is more potent than the other liver homogenates in catalyzing the hydrolysis of both the C(+/-)P(+)- and the C(+/-)P(-)-isomers. Rat plasma shows the highest activity for degradation of the C(+/-)P(+)-isomers, but is approximately as active as marmoset and human plasma for degradation of the C(+/-)P(-)-isomers.     

Structural and stereochemical specificity of mouse monoclonal antibodies to the organophosphorous cholinesterase inhibitor soman

To test the usefulness of immunotherapy in organophosphate poisoning, two mouse monoclonal antibodies were prepared to the chemical warfare agent soman. The antibodies bound reversibly to soman and afforded considerable protection to acetylcholinesterase in vitro. However, they were only marginally effective in preventing the consequences of soman poisoning in mice (these data have been published elsewhere). Since potential for immunotherapeutic usefulness resides in antibody affinity and specificity, we conducted experiments to define these parameters to enable us to maximize them in the production of later antibodies. Interaction of the antibodies (CC1 and BE2) in affinity-purified form with a series of soman analogs in a competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay was used to assess the contribution to binding affinity of each functional group on the soman molecule. Neither antibody interacted with the -P = S analog of soman or methylphosphonic acid. A decrease in the number of methyl groups on the pinacolyl side chain reduced or eliminated binding with both antibodies while increasing the size of this group had a mixed result. The major metabolite of soman, its basic hydrolysis product, interacted weakly with BE2 and failed to interact with CC1. Alkyl ester group substitution at the fluorine position increased antibody binding up to the symmetrical dipinacolyl analog. Stereochemical specificity was determined by measuring the apparent decrease in the rate of inhibition of cholinesterases (acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7, or acylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.8) by pure soman stereoisomers in the presence of increasing concentrations of each antibody. CC1 demonstrated specificity that varied as C(+)P(+) less than C(-)P(+) less than C(-)P(-) less than C(+)P(-). Although affinities were much lower, BE2 also showed a preference for the more toxic P(-) isomers.     

Interaction of the four stereoisomers of soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate) with acetylcholinesterase and neuropathy target esterase of hen brain

Dilute solutions in cold dry ethyl acetate of 98-100% pure specimens of each of the four stereoisomers of soman were tested against enzymes in hen brain homogenate at 37 degrees and pH 8.0. Rate constants for progressive inhibition of acetylcholinesterase were 10(7)-10(8)/mole/min for both P(-) isomers and less than 10(5) for both P(+) isomers. All isomers inhibited neuropathy target esterase non-progressively to some degree. Rate constants for progressive inhibition of neuropathy target esterase were 2.7-3.8 X 10(5)/mole/min for C(-) P(+) and 2-6 X 10(4) for the others. Forced reactivation by KF was 90% initially and aging was slow in each case. Spontaneous reactivation of inhibited neuropathy target esterase was substantial during 18 hr for both P(-) isomers but not for P(+). By comparison of rate constants for the two enzymes we predict that pure P(+) isomers may cause delayed neuropathy in hens dosed at about unprotected LD50: prophylaxis and therapy against acute cholinergic effects would have to raise LD50 1000-fold before birds could tolerate potentially neuropathic doses of P(-) isomers.     

Asymmetric fluorogenic organophosphates for the development of active organophosphate hydrolases with reversed stereoselectivity

In order to enhance the enzymatic detoxification rate of organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents we have searched for more active variants of recombinant mammalian paraoxonase (PON1). We have previously identified three key positions in PON1 that affect OP hydrolysis: Leu69, Val346 and His115, that significantly enhance the hydrolysis of cyclosarin (GF), soman, chlorpyrifos-oxon (ChPo), O-isopropyl-O-(p-nitrophenyl)methylphosphonate (IMP-pNP) and diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). GC/FPD analysis compared to residual AChE inhibition assay displayed stereoselective hydrolysis of GF, soman and IMP-pNP, indicating that wild type PON1 and its variant V346A are more active toward the less toxic P(+) optical isomer. In order to obtain new PON1 variants with reversed stereoselectivity, displaying augmented activity toward the more toxic isomer P(-) of nerve agents, we synthesized new asymmetric fluorogenic OPs (Flu-OPs). Six Flu-OPs were prepared containing either ethyl (E), cyclohexyl (C) or pinacolyl (P) alkyl radicals attached to methyl-phosphonyl (MP) moiety analogous to the structure of VX, GF and soman, respectively. The fluorescent moieties are either 3-cyano-4-methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin (MeCyC) or 1,3-dichloro-7-hydroxy-9,9-dimethyl-9H-acridin-2-one (DDAO). The kinetics of AChE and BChE inhibition by these new Flu-OPs display k(i) values 8.5x10(4) to 8.5x10(7) and 5x10(4) to 2x10(6)M(-1)min(-1), respectively. EMP-MeCyC and EMP-DDAO are the most active inhibitors of AChE whereas CMP-MeCyC and CMP-DDAO are better inhibitors of BChE than AChE, indicating accommodation of bulky cyclohexyl group inside the active site of BChE. PMP-MeCyC and PMP-DDAO are the least active inhibitors of both AChE and BChE. CMP-MeCyC and CMP-DDAO were significantly detoxified only by the five-site mutations PON1 variant L69V/S138L/S193P/N287D/V346A. Degradation kinetics of Flu-OPs measured by increase in absorbance of the released fluorogenic group was fit by a two exponential function, indicating faster hydrolysis of the less toxic optical isomer. Interestingly, wt PON1 caused only 50% degradation of racemic EMP-MeCyC, CMP-MeCyC and CMP-DDAO indicating complete hydrolysis of P(+) isomer. This remarkable stereoselectivity was used for the enzymatic separation of the P(-) isomer of CMP-MeCyC. The bimolecular rate constant k(i) for human AChE inhibition by the isolated P(-) isomer of CMP-MeCyC is five-fold larger than that of its P(+) isomer. The marked preference of wt PON1 toward P(+) stereo-isomer of CMP-MeCyC and CMP-DDAO renders their P(-) stereo-isomers suitable for the selection of new OP hydrolase variants with reversed stereoselectivity.     

Isolation, anticholinesterase properties, and acute toxicity in mice of the four stereoisomers of the nerve agent soman

The four stereoisomers of the nerve agent pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (soman), designated as C(+)P(+), C(+)P(-), C(-)P(+), and C(-)P(-), have different toxicologic properties due to stereospecific interactions in living organisms. We report the isolation of these stereoisomers with more than 99% optical purity. This result was realized by means of (i) complete optical resolution of pinacolyl alcohol, (ii) synthesis of C(+)- and C(-)-soman from the (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of the alcohol, (iii) optimalization of conditions for stereospecific inhibition of alpha-chymotrypsin with the P(-)-isomers of C(+)- and C(-)-soman, followed by isolation of the C(+)P(+)- and C(-)P(+)-isomers, (iv) isolation of the C(+)P(-)- and C(-)P(-)-isomers after incubation of C(+)- and C(-)-soman, respectively, in rabbit plasma, which hydrolyzes stereospecifically the P(+)-isomers. The bimolecular rate constants for inhibition of electric eel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at pH 7.7, 25 degrees C, are at least 3.6 X 10(4) larger for the P(-)- than for the P(+)-isomers. The enzyme inhibited with C(+)P(-)-soman is much more effectively reactivated with the oximes HI-6, HGG-42, and obidoxime than AChE inhibited with C(-)P(-)-soman. The LD50 values (sc, mice) are in accordance with the P(-)/P(+) ratio of inhibition rates of AChE, i.e. 99, 38, greater than 5000, greater than 2000, 214, 133, and 156 micrograms/kg for C(+)P(-)-, C(-)P(-)-, C(+)P(+)-, C(-)P(+)-, C(+)-, C(-)-soman, and "soman", respectively. The relative LD50 values of the C(-)P(-)- and C(+)P(-)-isomers do not correspond with the small differences in their rates of inhibition of AChE, indicating that such small rate ratios may be overruled by other stereospecific effects, e.g., in vivo rates of detoxification.     

Toxicokinetics of soman in cerebrospinal fluid and blood of anaesthetized pigs

The toxicokinetics of the four stereoisomers of the nerve agent C(±)P(±)-soman was analysed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood in anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing pigs during a 90-min period after injection of soman. The pigs were challenged with different intravenous (i.v.) doses of C(±)P(±)-soman corresponding to 0.75–3.0 LD₅₀ (4.5, 9.0 and 18 μg/kg in a bolus injection and 0.45 μg/kg per min as a slow infusion). Artificial ventilatory assistance was given if, after soman intoxication, the respiratory rate decreased below 19 breaths/min. Blood samples were taken from a femoral artery and CSF samples from an intrathecal catheter. The concentrations of the soman isomers were determined by gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. All four isomers of soman were detected in both blood and CSF samples. The relatively non-toxic C(±)P(+) isomers disappeared from the blood stream and CSF within the first minute, whereas the levels of the highly toxic C(±)P(−) isomers could be followed for longer, depending on the dose. Concurrently with the soman analyses in blood and CSF, cholinesterase (ChE) activity and cardiopulmonary parameters were measured. C(±)P(−) isomers showed approx. 100% bioavailability in CSF when C(±)P(±)-soman was given i.v. as a bolus injection. In contrast, C(±)P(−) isomers displayed only 30% bioavailability in CSF after slow i.v. infusion of soman. The ChE activity in blood decreased below 20% of baseline in all groups of pigs irrespective of the soman dose. The effect of soman intoxication on the respiratory rate, however, seems to be dose-dependent and the reason for ventilatory failure and death. Artificial ventilation resulted in survival of the pigs for the time-period studied. Received: 3 March 1998 / Accepted: 5 May 1998     

Stereoisomers of soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate): inhibition of serum carboxylic ester hydrolase and potentiation of their toxicity by CBDP (2-(2-methylphenoxy)-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin-2-oxide) in mice

The interaction of C(+/-)P(+/-)-soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate) and its individual stereoisomers with serum carboxylic-ester hydrolase and potentiation of their toxicity by a carboxylic-ester hydrolase inhibitor CBDP (2-(2-methylphenoxy)-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin-2-oxide) was investigated. C(+/-)P(+/-)-Soman and the individual stereoisomers all inhibited purified mouse serum carboxylic-ester hydrolase to different degrees. C(+/-)P(+/-)-Soman and the C(-)P(-)- and C(+)P(-)-isomers had Ki values of 30.6, 18.7, and 35.7 nM, respectively, and C(-)P(+)- and C(+)P(+)-isomers had Ki values of 1412 and 2523 nM, respectively. In toxicity experiments CBDP (0.5 mg/kg; iv 1 hr prior to soman) pretreatment potentiated the toxicity of C(+/-)P(+/-)-, C(+)P(-)-, and C(-)P(-)-soman to a similar degree. Thus, it appears that the toxic stereoisomers of soman have a similar affinity for mouse serum carboxylic-ester hydrolase, and CBDP pretreatment does not enhance selectively the toxicity of one stereoisomer over the other.     

Interaction of Soman with {beta}-Cyclodextrin

Interaction of Soman with ß-CycIodextrin. DESIRE,B., AND SAINT-ANDRE, S. (1986). Fun-dam. Appl. Toxicol. 7, 646-657.Of the following neurotoxic agents, pinacolyl methylphospho-nofluoridate(soman), isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (sarin) and ethylN, N-dimethyl-phosphoramidocyanidate (tabun), only soman wasinactivated appreciably at pH 7.40 by ß-cyclodextrin.The interaction of soman, a mixture of four stereoisomers designatedas C(+)P(–), C(–)P(–), C(+)P(+), and C(–)P(+),with cyclodextrins was revealed by methods based on (i) theirreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) thatis phosphonylated chiefly by P(–)-isomers of racemic somanand (ii) continuous titration of fluoride ions released by somanusing a fluoride-specific electrode. Soman and ß-cyclodextrinform a 1:1 complex. At pH 7.40 and 25°C the dissociationconstant Kd of this complex and the rate constant k2 of cleavageof soman by ß-cyclodextrin are (0.53 ± 0.05)mM and (5.9 ± 0.6) x 10² min¹, respectively. The rateconstant k₂^max for the cleavage of soman by monoionized ß-cyclodextrinhas a value of 2.8 x 103 min¹ and the second order rate constantk₂^max/K_d 5.3 x 106 M^–1 min^–1. Consequently, somanis hydrolyzed about 2500 times faster by the monoanion of ß-cyclodextrin,than by the hydroxide ion. The cleavage of P(–)-somanby ß-cyclodextrin as estimated by AChE inhibitionproceeds apparently at the same rate for the C(–)P(–)-and C(+)P(–)-isomers. However, the release of fluorideions indicated a stereospecific rate of reaction, the P(-Hsomersreacting faster than the P(+)-isomers. At pH 7.40, the inactivationrate of soman by ß-cyclodextrin was as fast in humanplasma in vitro as in Tris buffer. This interaction betweensoman and ß-cyclodextrin, and other data from theliterature, suggests that the introduction of catalytic or noncatalyticgroups on ß-cyclodextrin might possibly make it abetter catalyst for soman inactivation through improvement inthe catalytic or in the binding process.     

Detoxification of soman in the perfused rat liver: Quantitative uptake and stereoisomer metabolism

The detoxification of soman (1,2,2-dimethylpropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) was measured in rat livers, using hemoglobin-free, non-recirculating perfusion in situ.Since the detoxification processes may differ in perivenous and periportal zones of liver parenchyma, soman uptake, stereoselective metabolism and inhibition of esterases were compared in antegrade and retrograde perfusion experiments. At low concentrations of soman (up to about 10 mol l^–1 for 5 min) soman was taken up by the liver nearly quantitatively. About 5% recovery rate in the perfusate corresponded well to the intrahepatic shunt flow. Infusions of higher amounts yielded increasing recovery rates. The racemic infusion medium contained the four isomers of soman, C(–)P(–) to C(+)P(+), in nearly identical amounts, whereas in the effluent perfusate only P(–) isomers were found. Even small amounts of soman (5–120 nmol g^–1 liver wet weight) caused significant inhibition of hepatic aliesterase activity. Doses higher than 200 nmol g^–1 suppressed esterase activity by more than 90%. No essential differences in soman uptake, stereoselective metabolism or inhibition of esterases were found between antegrade and retrograde perfusion experiments.     

Influence of atropine upon ageing and reactivation of soman inhibited acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes. Preliminary communication

From human blood concentrates erythrocyte "ghosts" were prepared. These and an enzyme solution, obtained by Triton X 100 treatment of the ghosts, were reacted with 1.2.2-trimethylpropyl-methyl-phosphonylfluoridate (soman). The rate constants of inhibition of the membrane bound and solubilized acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were determined at 3 degrees C, pH 8 and 9 to be 2 X 10(7) and 1.4 X 10(7) mol-1 min-1, respectively. Ageing of the phosphonylated AChE occurred with rate constants of 3.5 X 10(-2) (ghost bound) and 1.3 X 10(-2) (solubilized) min-1 at 3 degrees C, pH 8. 5 X 10(-4) mol/l atropine decreased the ageing rate by 50%. Reactivation of the non aged phosphonyl-AChE by several pyridinium oximes was enhanced by atropine with the ghost-bound enzyme; the reactivation of the phosphonylated solubilized enzyme, however, was not affected by atropine.     

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric approach to examining stereoselective interaction of human plasma proteins with soman

The organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent soman (GD) contains two chiral centers (a carbon and a phosphorus atom), resulting in four stereoisomers (C+P+, C-P+, C+P-, and C-P-); the P- isomers exhibit a mammalian toxicity that is approximately 1000-fold greater than that of the P+ isomers. The capacity to assess the binding or hydrolysis of each of the four stereoisomers is an important tool in the development of enzymes with the potential to protect against GD intoxication. Using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based approach, we have examined the capacity of plasma-derived human serum albumin, plasma-purified human butyrylcholinesterase, goat milk-derived recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase, and recombinant human paraoxonase 1 to interact with each of the four stereoisomers of GD in vitro at pH 7.4 and 25 degrees C. Under these experimental conditions, the butyrylcholinesterase samples were found to bind GD with a relative preference for the more toxic stereoisomers (C-P- > C+P- > C-P+ > C+P+), while human serum albumin and paraoxonase 1 interacted with GD with a relative preference for the less toxic isomers (C-P+/C+P+ > C+P-/C-P-). The results indicate that these human proteins exhibit distinct stereoselective interactions with GD. The approach described presents a means to rapidly assess substrate stereospecificity, supporting future efforts to develop more effective OP bioscavenger proteins.     

Binding and hydrolysis of soman by human serum albumin

Human plasma and fatty acid free human albumin were incubated with soman at pH 8.0 and 25 degrees C. Four methods were used to monitor the reaction of albumin with soman: progressive inhibition of the aryl acylamidase activity of albumin, the release of fluoride ion from soman, 31P NMR, and mass spectrometry. Inhibition (phosphonylation) was slow with a bimolecular rate constant of 15 +/- 3 M(-1) min (-1). MALDI-TOF and tandem mass spectrometry of the soman-albumin adduct showed that albumin was phosphonylated on tyrosine 411. No secondary dealkylation of the adduct (aging) occurred. Covalent docking simulations and 31P NMR experiments showed that albumin has no enantiomeric preference for the four stereoisomers of soman. Spontaneous reactivation at pH 8.0 and 25 degrees C, measured as regaining of aryl acylamidase activity and decrease of covalent adduct (pinacolyl methylphosphonylated albumin) by NMR, occurred at a rate of 0.0044 h (-1), indicating that the adduct is quite stable ( t1/2 = 6.5 days). At pH 7.4 and 22 degrees C, the covalent soman-albumin adduct, measured by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, was more stable ( t1/2 = 20 days). Though the concentration of albumin in plasma is very high (about 0.6 mM), its reactivity with soman (phosphonylation and phosphotriesterase activity) is too slow to play a major role in detoxification of the highly toxic organophosphorus compound soman. Increasing the bimolecular rate constant of albumin for organophosphates is a protein engineering challenge that could lead to a new class of bioscavengers to be used against poisoning by nerve agents. Soman-albumin adducts detected by mass spectrometry could be useful for the diagnosis of soman exposure.     

Partial characterization of an enzyme that hydrolyzes sarin, soman, tabun, and diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP)

The properties of a rat liver enzyme that hydrolyzes organophosphorus (OP) inhibitors of cholinesterases were studied. The rates of hydrolysis of OP inhibitors were determined by continuous titration of released hydrogen ions, using a pH stat method. Centrifugation of homogenates at 205,000 g for 30 min demonstrated that the activity was in the soluble fraction. Hydrolysis of sarin, soman, and diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP), but not of tabun, was stimulated by the addition of Mn2+ and Mg2+. Hydrolysis of sarin greater than soman greater than tabun greater than DFP. Unlike other OP hydrolases that preferentially hydrolyze the non-toxic isomers of soman, this enzyme hydrolyzed all four soman isomers at approximately the same rate. This result was obtained in vitro by gas chromatographic analysis of enzyme-catalyzed soman hydrolysis and confirmed in vivo by demonstrating reduced toxicity in mice of soman partially hydrolyzed by this enzyme. Km and Vmax were determined by fitting V vs [S] to a hyperbolic function using regression analysis. Km values ranged from 1.1 mM for soman to 8.9 mM for tabun. Vmax values ranged from 54 nmol/min/mg protein for DFP to 2694 for sarin. The enzyme was stable for at least 2 months at -90 degrees but was inactivated by heating at 100 degrees for 5 min. Elution profiles from gel filtration by high pressure liquid chromatography showed that the hydrolytic activity for the OP inhibitors eluted in a single peak, suggesting that a single enzyme was responsible for the observed hydrolysis. Further purification and characterization of this enzyme should prove useful for the development of methods for detection, detoxification, and decontamination of these cholinesterase inhibitors.     

Stereospecific reactivation by some Hagedorn-oximes of acetylcholinesterases from various species including man, inhibited by soman

Reactivation by bispyridinium mono-oximes (Hagedorn-oximes) and some classical oximes (0.03 or 1mM) was studied in vitro of rat, bovine and human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and of electric eel acetylcholinesterase inhibited by soman. Relative reactivating potencies of the oximes are similar for the three inhibited erythrocyte enzymes. In general, Hagedorn-oximes are more potent than the classical oximes. Among the Hagedorn-oximes, HI-6 is the most potent reactivator for the three inhibited enzymes. Relative reactivating potencies for the inhibited erythrocyte acetylcholinesterases and electric eel acetylcholinesterase, however, clearly differ. Since the reactivation experiments were carried out with racemic soman, a mixture of the two inhibited enzymes may be formed, which may cause additional problems in the comparison of various results. In order to get more detailed information on differences between human erythrocyte and electric eel acetylcholinesterase, reactivation of these enzymes inhibited with the P(-)-isomers of C(+)- and C(-)-soman were studied separately. Reactivation appeared to be dependent on the chirality of the alpha-carbon atom in the pinacolyl group. HI-6 is by far the most potent reactivator for the human enzyme inhibited by the two P(-)-isomers. It is suggested that electric eel acetylcholinesterase is not a reliable model for in vitro testing of therapeutic potencies of oximes against soman intoxication in mammals. Rate constants of aging of the four acetylcholinesterases inhibited with racemic soman and of the human and eel enzyme inhibited by the P(-)-isomers of C(+)- and C(-)-soman were also determined. The aging of the inhibited rat enzymes proceeds remarkably slowly (t1/2 = 21 min). The rate of aging is not affected by the chirality on the alpha-carbon atom in the pinacolyl group. Consequences of the present results are discussed in view of extrapolation of reactivation data of a series of reactivators to their relative therapeutic effect, ultimately in man. It is speculated that the more rapid aging of the human inhibited enzyme may hamper oxime-therapy in man more seriously than in rat.     

Kinetic investigations into the interactions of aprophen with cholinesterases and a carboxylesterase

Acetylcholinesterases, butyrylcholinesterases, and carboxylesterases appear to form kinetically a homologous enzyme series with respect to many substrates and inhibitors. The present paper evaluates the interaction of aprophen with acetylcholinesterases, butyrylcholinesterases, and carboxylesterases with respect to protecting the enzyme from organophosphate and carbamate inhibition, accelerating pralidoxime iodide (2-PAM) regeneration of the diisopropylphospho-enzyme, and comparing the inhibition and regeneration kinetics of a soluble mammalian acetylcholinesterase with that of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase. The irreversible inhibition kinetics of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and eserine inhibition of fetal bovine serum acetylcholinesterase were typical of other acetylcholinesterases as indicated by the bimolecular inhibition rate constants, ki, of 7.7 +/- 1.3 X 10(4) M-1 min-1 and 2.9 +/- 1.7 X 10(6) M-1 min-1, respectively. Similarly, the bimolecular regeneration rate constant, kr, for 2-PAM regeneration of the diisopropylphospho-acetylcholinesterase was 14.7 M-1 min-1. The bimolecular rate constants, ki and kr, were not statistically perturbed when the reaction was monitored in the presence of aprophen with the fetal bovine serum acetylcholinesterase. Human serum butyrylcholinesterase was partially protected from DFP inhibition by aprophen with no detectable change in the bimolecular inhibition rate constant, ki. The regeneration of the diisopropylphospho-butyrylcholinesterase by 2-PAM was accelerated in the presence of aprophen by a factor of 2.7 over that of 2-PAM alone (8.4 +/- 2.2 M-1 min-1 to 23.1 +/- 2.6 M-1 min-1 respectively). Neither the inhibition (DFP) nor the regeneration (2-PAM) kinetics observed for the carboxylesterase was perturbed by the presence of aprophen.     

The Effect of the Calcium Antagonist Nimodipine on the Detoxification of Soman in Anaesthetized Rabbits

The effect of nimodipine, a vasoactive calcium antagonist, on the disappearance of soman from blood was studied in anaesthetized rabbits intoxicated with soman (10.8 μg kg^?1 i.v.). Blood samples from the left heart ventricle and femoral artery were used to investigate soman detoxification. The concentrations of the soman isomers C + P - and C - P - in blood samples were determined by gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. During the sampling, 15–300 s after soman injection, the soman concentration in control animals decreased from 50 to 0.029 ng mL^?1; in animals pre-treated with nimodipine (10 mg kg^?1) it decreased from 15 to 0.033 ng mL^?1. In animals pre-treated with nimodipine the soman concentration was significantly reduced during the first minute of sampling. No differences were detected between soman concentrations in samples from the heart and femoral artery. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was also used as an indicator of soman activity; there was no difference between the activity of this enzyme in different peripheral organs of control and nimodipine-treated animals. Nimodipine reduces the initial concentration of soman in the blood, which might be of significance in the treatment of soman intoxication.