Nicotinic effects acetylcholinesterase inhibition

Woodruff-Pak DS, Vogel RW 3rd, Wenk GL. (2001) Galantamine Effect on nicotinic receptor binding, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and learning. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98 2089-2094. 

TABLE 10—11. Effects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition at Muscarinic, Nicotinic, and CNS Receptors... 

It is known that human exposure to organophosphorus compounds can result in a variety of acute toxic effects. These arise primarily as a result of the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Signs of acute toxicity are due to effects on the central nervous system (anxiety, ataxia, hypotension), to muscarinic effects (wheezing, cough, rhinitis) and to nicotinic effects (muscle weakness, mydriasis and tachycardia). Other acute effects include chest tightness, abdominal cramps, confusion and convulsions. With some organophosphorus compounds, a specific syndrome may develop. This is delayed peripheral neuropathy or OP-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). (For a more detailed discussion on the toxicity of organophosphorus compounds see Chapter 10.)... 

Exposure to disulfoton can result in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, with consequent accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses and ganglia leading to central nervous system, nicotinic, and muscarinic effects (see Section 2.2.1.4 for more extensive discussion). 

Diazinon, an anticholinesterase organophosphate, inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the central and peripheral nervous system. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase results in accumulation of acetylcholine at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors leading to peripheral and central nervous system effects. These effects... 

Another important example is the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which is activated by the agonist nicotine causing muscular fibrillation and paralysis. Indirect effects can also occur. For example, organophosphates and other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors increase the amount of acetylcholine and thereby overstimulate the receptor, leading to effects in a number of sites (see chap. 7). Alternatively, botulinum toxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine and causes muscle paralysis because muscular contraction does not take place (see chap. 7). 

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