Organophosphorus Antagonism by Resealed Erythrocytes Containing Recombinant Paraoxonase

Parathion has the highest incidence of poisonings among the agricultural pesticides. An alternative conceptual approach was employed to prevent intoxication of paraoxon, the active metabolite of parathion, by using resealed carrier erythrocytes containing a highly purified recombinant paraoxonase (CRBC). The CRBC were found to be effective alone and synergistic with 2-PAM and atropine to protect over 1,000 lethal doses of paraoxon. This striking protection greatly exceeds any antidotal regimen ever reported against chemical toxicants. The present drug carrier model provides a general conceptual approach to develop specific antidotes against many other chemical toxicants for which no antidotes are presently available.