PREVENTION OF SOMAN-INDUCED COGNITIVE DEFICITS BY PRETREATMENT WITH HUMAN BUTYRYLCHOLINESTERASE IN RATS

This study examined the ability of pretreatment with human serum butyr ylcholinesterase (HuBChE) to prevent soman-induced cognitive impairmen ts. Behavioral testing was carried out using the Morris water maze tas k evaluating learning, memory, and reversal learning processes. Pretre atment with HuBChE significantly prevented the memory and reversal lea rning impairments induced by soman. A small deficiency in performance was observed only during part of the learning period in HuBChE-treated rats after administration of soman. Results support the contention th at pretreatment alone with HuBChE is sufficient to increase survival a nd to prevent impairment in cognitive functioning following exposure t o soman.