An enzyme found naturally in the blood could help to protect soldiers from brain damage caused by exposure to nerve agents, researchers say.

Previous studies suggested that the enzyme, known as GOT, could also help to limit damage caused to the brain after a stroke, serious head injury or disease.

Recent studies showed that the GOT enzyme was “very successful” in protecting rats against neurological damage from exposure to the chemical paraoxon, which is used as a laboratory substitute for banned nerve agents such as sarin, soman and VX. These substances can cause brain damage or death in even very small doses.

While the exact details of the research are still top secret, Braintact – an Israeli life sciences research company funded by the US military – has begun a three-year study to examine GOT’s ability to protect against sarin damage in rats, pigs and primates, the London-based magazine Chemistry and Industry reports today.

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