A model for carbamate and organophosphate-induced emesis in humans.
In human volunteers, studies to assess the adverse effects of the carbamate anticholinesterase physostigmine showed that the intramuscular dose observed to induce emesis in 50% of subjects tested (ED50) was 28.1 (23.5-120.7) micrograms/kg. This dose reduced whole blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity to 60% of control values. Studies in marmosets to assess the behavioural toxicology of physostigmine showed that the corresponding ED50 and ChE activity values were 34.3 (21.5-55.8) micrograms/kg and 66% respectively. Sarin was also shown to induce emesis in marmosets, but only at doses that reduced erythrocyte ChE activity to 12% of control values. These data seem also to correspond with reports of organophosphate poisoning in humans. It is concluded that the marmoset may be a very good model of both carbamate and organophosphate-induced emesis in humans.
D'Mello
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GD
Biology Division Chemical Defence Establishment, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK.
Sidell
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FR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002143:Callitrichinae; D002219:Carbamates / Q000633:toxicity*; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000097:blood; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D010830:Physostigmine / Q000633:toxicity; D013045:Species Specificity; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced*
D002219:Carbamates; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D001285:Atropine; D010830:Physostigmine; D002802:Cholinesterases