ABSTRACT
Pyridostigmine bromide (PB), commonly known as Mestinon®, is a member of a class of compounds that includes neostigmine, rivastigmine, and physostigmine, which are all carbamates that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme responsible for terminating the actions of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Like Organophosphates, PB inhibits AChE by forming a covalent bond at the esteratic subsite, which is responsible for the cleavage of ACh to acetate and choline. The effectiveness of PB pretreatment in protecting against poisoning by GD has been demonstrated in a variety of species, both in vitro and in vivo. Marmosets that were challenged with GD underwent a common sequela, whether they were pretreated with saline or with either dose of PB. AChE activity was determined in diaphragm muscle to elucidate the relationship between hydrolytic activity and function in the same muscles. Blood was collected at euthanasia for the determination of post-challenge AChE activities.
