The reversal by oximes and their de oximinomethyl analogues of neuromuscular block produced by soman.

A series of oximes and related compounds were assessed for their ability to restore soman-induced neuromuscular block in the isolated diaphragm preparation of the rat, guinea-pig and marmoset. In the rat the bispyridinium oximes HS6, HI6 and HS14 were superior to P2S and all other compounds tested. Conversely, in the guinea-pig, most of the compounds tested produced a good reversal of neuromuscular block. In a limited number of experiments in the marmoset, only a partial reversal of neuromuscular block, was obtained with the oximes HI6 and HS6. The restoration of neuromuscular block was due to one or more of the following factors: (i) enzyme reactivation (ii) direct action (iii) adaptation. The results of this study suggest that both the acetylcholine receptor and the rate of 'ageing' of soman inhibited AChE are different in these three species.