Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Russian-VX by Organophosphorus Hydrolase

Author: Rastogi V.K.   Defrank J.J.   Cheng T-c.   Wild J.R.  

Publisher: Elsevier

ISSN: 0006-291X

Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol.241, Iss.2, 1997-12, pp. : 294-296

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Abstract

The Russian-VX (R-VX) is the principle V-type nerve agent in the chemical warfare (CW) arsenal of the Former Soviet Union. We here report the enzymatic hydrolysis of the P-S bond of Russian-VX by organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) fromPseudomonas diminuta.While the Michaelis constant,Kmfor R-VX (474 μM), was similar to that for VX (434 μM), theVmaxfor R-VX (2.1 μmoles/mg/min) was about four-fold higher compared to that for VX (0.56 μmoles/mg/min). A 50% inhibition in the rate of the enzymatic hydrolysis of R-VX was observed in the presence of 0.5% ethanol, isoamylalcohol, or isopropanol. The presence of acetonitrile, diethylene glycol, or methanol had marginal effects. These results comprise the first demonstration of enzymatic detoxification of R-VX.