Antagonists to Neuromuscular Block Produced by Sarin

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Abstract
Sciatic nerves of anesthetised cats were stimulated electrically while the mechanical response of the gastrocnemius-soleus-tibialis anticus muscle group was recorded. Injection of Sarin (200 [mu]g/kg intravenous) produced a marked and slowly reversible decrease in the height of the muscle twitch. Intravenous injection of atropine sulfate (2 mg/kg) did not affect significantly the rate of recovery of the muscle twitch. Quaternary derivatives of atropone (N-benzyl atropinium chloride and N-phenacyl atropinium bromide), certain quaternary oxamide derivatives (Wins 8078, 8626, 12306) and other quaternary compounds (Dibutoline, lergigan methiodide, d-tubocurarine, Flaxedil and nicotine hydroxamic acid methiodide) increase the rate of return of the twitch height to its pre-poisoning value. Compounds having significant anticholinesterase activity (Win 8077 and decamethonium) may enhance the Sarin-induced decrease in twitch height despite the abolition by Sarin of demonstrable cholinesterase activity in the muscle. Wins 8078 and 8626, and especially Win 12306, had the power to prevent the effect of a second dose of Sarin on the response to sciatic nerve stimulation. Win 8077 and d-tubocurarine also had this action; the other compounds studied did not.