The electromyographic signal as a presymptomatic indicator of organophosphates in the body

Abstract

Organophosphate (OP) compounds are present in household and agricultural pesticides as well as in nerve agents. The toxic effects of these chemicals result from their anticholinesterase activity, which disrupts nerve junctions and parasympathetic effector sites, leading to a variety of symptoms and possible death. When the anticholinesterase agents in OP compounds reach the neuromuscular junction, they cause a disruption in the firing of muscle fiber action potentials. This effect has the potential of altering the time course of the electromyographic (EMG) signal detected by surface electrodes. We investigated the association between OP compound dose, surface EMG changes, and overt signs of OP toxicity. Daily doses of 10-15 microg/kg of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) were injected into the calf muscle of four rhesus monkeys while surface EMG signals were recorded from two thigh muscles bilaterally. With increasing number of doses, the EMG signal presented an increasing number of time gaps. The presence of the gaps was evident prior to any overt symptoms of cholinesterase toxicity. These findings can lead to the development of noninvasive technology for indicating the presence of OP compounds in muscle tissue prior to clinical abnormalities.