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Science 18 June 1971:
Vol. 172. no. 3989, pp. 1243 - 1245
DOI: 10.1126/science.172.3989.1243
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Articles

Diisopropylphosphorofluoridate and Tabun: Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Nerve Function

Francis C. G. Hoskin 1

1 Department of Biology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago 60616

Squid nerve contains an enzyme that hydrolyzes the nerve gas Tabun at about one-tenth the rate it hydrolyzes diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP), and at about one-third to one-fourth the rate it hydrolyzes Sarin and Soman. Tabun is a more potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase than is DFP, is both lipid-and water-soluble, and penetrates readily into the squid giant axon in its inhibitory form. The failure of Tabun to block or markedly decrease the conducted action potential in the squid axon makes it likely that the blocking of conduction caused by DFP is probably not due to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Sub-strate specificity with regard to organophosphate metabolism by squid enzyme has possible implications for the disposal and detoxication of nerve gases in the ocean.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Hydrolysis of nerve gas by squid-type diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate hydrolyzing enzyme on agarose resin.
F. Hoskin and A. Roush (1982)
Science 215, 1255-1257
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)