3.5. OP-induced delayed neurotoxicity
In a previous section, NTE has been described as the serine esterase representing the primary target for OPIDP. NTE is defined as the phenylvalerate hydrolyzing activity that is resistant to paraoxon but is inhibited by mipafox, a neuropathic OP [14]. This is a “working definition” that has proven useful for research on OPIDP over the years [11], but does not shed light on the nature and physiological action of the enzyme, nor on its clear role in OPIDP, aside of that of being the target for initiators. Molecular research in the past few years and the use of transgenic animal models have provided some novel and at times unexpected information.