Leptophos delayed neuropathy

A few OP compounds cause delayed neuropathy in vertebrates because they inhibit another esterase located in the nervous system, which has been termed neuropathy target esterase (NTE). This enzyme is described in Chapter 10, Section 10.2.4. OPs that cause delayed neuropathy include diisopropyl phosphofluoridate (DFP), mipafox, leptophos, methamidophos, and triorthocresol phosphate. The delay in the appearance of neurotoxic symptoms following exposure is associated with the aging process. In most cases, nerve degeneration is not seen with initial inhibition of the esterase but appears some 2-3 weeks after commencement of exposure, as the inhibited enzyme undergoes aging (see Section 16.4.1). The condition is described as OP-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). 

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) An esterase of the nervous system whose inhibition by certain OPs (e.g., mipafox, leptophos) can lead to the development of delayed neuropathy. 

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