• Isabel Weimer, Franz Worek, Thomas Seeger, Horst Thiermann, Veit-Simon Eckle, Christian Grasshoff, and Bernd Antkowiak.
• Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany. Electronic address: isabel.weimer@uni-tuebingen.de.
• Toxicol. Lett. 2016 Feb 26; 244: 149-53.

AbstractAside from nerve agents, various highly toxic pesticides belong to the group of organophosphorus (OP) compounds, thereby causing a large number of intoxications every year. Unfortunately, there are still shortcomings in the current treatment for OP poisoning and research on novel therapeutic options is restricted in several aspects. In this study we investigated the suitability of organotypic cocultures for pharmacological in vitro studies involving OP compounds. These slice cultures are derived from murine spinal cord and muscle tissue forming functional neuromuscular synapses, which trigger spontaneous contractions of muscle fibers. Using video microscopy to quantify muscle activity, we assessed the viability of cocultures after exposure to soman and VX, and the associated loss and recovery of neuromuscular function. Antidotal treatment was not provided. The application of nerve agents led to an almost complete loss of muscle activity. However, cell cultures regained equivalent muscular function to the control situation three and seven days after intoxication. In summary, the tested in vitro system could be a promising tool for the investigation of long term effects and therapeutic options for OP poisoning. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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