Neuropathy target esterase organophosphorus compounds

FIGURE 57.5. Subclasses of neuropathy target esterase (NTE) inhibitors. Type A inhibitors include phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphoramidates these are neuropathic and capable of aging. T pe B inhibitors include phosphinates, sulfonates, and carbamates these are nonneuropathic and not capable of aging. However, inhibition of NTE with a type B inhibitor will protect against organophosphorus compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) from subsequently administered type A inhibitors. Reproduced with permission from Richardson (2005). 

Ehrich M, Correll L, Veronesi B. Acetylcholinesterase and neuropathy target esterase inhibitions in neuroblastoma cells to distinguish organophosphorus compounds causing acute and delayed neurotoxicity. Fund Appl Toxicol. 1997 38 55-63. 

Makhaeva, G.F., Sigolaeva, L. V., Zhuravleva, L.V., Eremenko, A. V., Kurochkin, I.N., Malygin, V. V., and Richardson, R.J. Biosensor detection of Neuropathy Target Esterase in whole blood as a biomarker of exposure to neuropathic organophosphorus compounds. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, Part A, 66, 599-610,2003. 

Certain organophosphates may also induce delayed polyneuropathy, usually 2-3 weeks after a single exposure. The symptoms are tingling of hands and feet, sensory loss, progressive muscle weakness, and ataxia. Also, certain organophosphorus compounds are poor inhibitors of AChE but may, however, bind to another esterase, known as neuropathy target esterase (NTE) and induce delayed neuropathy. 

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