Electrophysiologic changes in peripheral nerve following repeated exposure to organophosphorus agents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the electrophysiologic changes which occur following repeated exposure to potent organophosphorus agents. The results show that DFP and soman each initially increase rat sciatic nerve conduction and reduce refractoriness. Continued exposure had a diminished effect with nerve excitability eventually returning to control. During recovery, the nerve membrane responsiveness to potassium-induced depolarization significantly changed in a manner which would indicate either decreased Na, K-ATPase activity or decreased potassium ion transmembrane flux. The data suggest that compensatory changes occur in rat nerve in response to organophosphorus exposure, and further, that these compensatory changes involve alteration in membrane ion fluxes.