Development of a model cell culture system in which to study early effects of neuropathy-inducing organophosphorus esters.

Certain organophosphorus (OP) compounds produce a delayed neuropathy in man and susceptible animal species after early inhibition and aging of the enzyme, neurotoxic esterase (NTE). In this study, the human neuroblastoma cell line, SY-5Y, was used to examine the time course of inhibition and aging of NTE after toxicant treatment. The time course and extent of detrimental effects on this enzyme were similar in the SY-5Y cells to those observed in homogenized chicken brain tissue after the same treatments. The results indicate that the SY-5Y model system shows promise for use in the determination of initial mechanisms contributing to the development of organophosphorus-induced delayed neuropathy.