Biotransformation of organophosphorus compounds

This study reviews current understanding of mechanisms of biotransformation of organophosphorus compounds (OPC). The first part of this article covers chemical aspects of bio trans formation describing reactions that lead to activation or detoxication of OPC. The second part explains biochemical mec hanisms of biotransformation describing the role of enzymes that are involv ed in this process. Among them are the enzymes that take part in metabolic activation of OPC such as cytochrome P450 system, NADPH-cytochrome P450 red uctase and flavin-containing monooxygenases. Among enzymes participating in detoxication of OPC, the role of phosphoric triester hydrolases, carboxyle sterases and glutathione redox system is explained. This article also deals with other aspects of detoxication of OPC such as protein binding and the role of tissue depots for these compounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Irelan d Ltd. All rights reserved.