Using originally developed method for monitoring of rat blood acetylcholinesterase activity, the toxicity and half-times of enzyme inhibition in vivo were compared following intoxication with highly toxic organophosphates of O-alkyl S-2-dialkylaminoethyl methyl phosphonothiolate type. A linear relationship between these two parameters was demonstrated. On the other hand, similar correlation for sarin and soman was not found. It suggests that mechanism of the toxic effect ofphosphonofluoridates covers more reactions in comparison with phosphonothiolates.

Keywords: Anticholinesterase potency; Toxicity; Nerve agents; Blood; Rat