Testing for organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy.

Organophosphorous compounds may cause two distinct types of toxicity: acute cholinergic toxicity and organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP). The ability of a compound to cause OPIDP is assessed as described by administering the compound to hens and screening the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves for neuropathy target esterase activity to detect OPIDP and acetylcholinesterase activity to rule out the acute toxicity. This assay can also be used as part of a screen for protective agents.