Reversible inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase by methoxypyridinium species.

The irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by organophosphorous chemical warfare agents necessitates that antidotes be administered for effective treatment. Currently no antidote is known that resurrects the phosphyl-AChE complex once aging has occurred. This report characterizes the affinities of over 30 new AChE inhibitors which could act as resurrecting agents for the aged AChE-OP adduct.