Pharmacology of HI-6, an H-series oxime.

HI-6 is an oxime experimentally developed for reactivation of previously untreatable soman-phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase. It has been shown to be effective in restoring acetylcholinesterase activity after poisoning with other "nerve agents" namely VX and sarin; however, its antidotal qualities for the treatment of organophosphorus pesticide poisoning are not well known. HI-6, and other H-series oximes, apparently act in a number of ways: reactivation of acetylcholinesterase, blockage of ganglia and muscarinic receptors, stimulation of vasopressor and respiratory centre receptors, chemical combination with agents, restoration of neuromuscular transmission, retardation of the formation of the aged inhibitor-enzyme complex, and (or) inhibition of the release of acetylcholine.