Interactive Effects of Paraoxon and Pyridostigmine on Blood-Brain

The effect of the organophosphorous insecticide paraoxon on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and permeability of pyridostigmine (PYR), a peripheral inhibitor of cholinesterase activity, was examined in Long Evans rats. The integrity of the BBB was examined by measuring the number of capillaries leak-ing horseradish peroxidase, which was injected into the heart. Treatment with paraoxon at 100 g/kg, intramuscularly, resulted in a 3- to 4-fold increase in the number of leaky capillaries in young rats (25 to 30 days old) but not in older rats (90 days old). Interestingly, young rats treated with PYR (30 mg/kg, po) 50 min before treatment with paraoxon showed an inhibited effect of paraoxon on the BBB. Furthermore, no increase in the degree of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in young rats treated with PYR before paraoxon compared with young rats treated with paraoxon alone. Cholinergic toxicity, as assessed b