Pralidoxime acts by –
**Core Concept**
Pralidoxime is a medication used to treat organophosphate poisoning, which occurs due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, allowing it to be reused by the nervous system. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, causing overstimulation of muscles and glands.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pralidoxime acts by reactivating acetylcholinesterase, allowing it to restore its normal function. This is achieved through the formation of a covalent bond between the oxime moiety of pralidoxime and the phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This bond facilitates the removal of the phosphate group, thereby reactivating the enzyme. The reactivated acetylcholinesterase enzyme can then break down the accumulated acetylcholine, reducing its toxic effects. This mechanism is crucial in the treatment of organophosphate poisoning.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because pralidoxime does not act by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors. In fact, the accumulation of acetylcholine due to acetylcholinesterase inhibition leads to overstimulation of these receptors, exacerbating the toxic effects of organophosphate poisoning.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because pralidoxime does not act by increasing the synthesis of acetylcholine. Instead, it focuses on reactivating the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, thereby reducing its accumulation.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because pralidoxime does not act by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. In fact, the accumulation of acetylcholine due to acetylcholinesterase inhibition can lead to overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, causing a range of systemic effects.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pralidoxime is most effective when administered within 48 hours of organophosphate poisoning, as the reactivation of acetylcholinesterase enzyme is more efficient in the early stages of poisoning.
**Correct Answer: C. Pralidoxime acts by reactivating acetylcholinesterase, allowing it to restore its normal function.**