Nerve agents acetylcholinesterase inhibition

All what applies to CW agents is basically also true for toxic industrial compounds (TIC) like pesticides, etc. Organophosphorus pesticides are used extensively to control agricultural pests. Similary to nerve agents, they inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) [8]. Expositions mainly might occur in pesticide production plants and dnring their application in forestry, agriculture, and horticulture. Chemically similar compounds are used as flexibilizers or additives in lubrication solvents. 

Although bicyclophosphates do not inhibit acetylcholinesterase, they exhibit a synergistic toxic effect with materials that do. Individuals who have had previous exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors such as nerve agents and commercial organophosphate or carbamate pesticides may be at a greater risk from exposure to bicyclophosphates. 

Presently available methods to diagnose and biomonitor exposure to anticholinesterases, e.g., nerve agents, rely mostly on measurement of residual enzyme activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in blood. More specific methods involve analysis of the intact poison or its degradation products in blood and/or urine. These approaches have serious drawbacks. Measurement of cholinesterase inhibition in blood does not identify the anticholinesterase and does not provide reliable evidence for exposure at inhibition levels less than 20 %. The intact poison and its degradation products can only be measured shortly after exposure. Moreover, the degradation products of pesticides may enter the body as such upon ingestion of food products containing these products. 

Field First Aid Nerve agents are the most toxic of the known chemical warfare agents. Chemically similar to organophosphate pesticides, their method of acting is to inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzymes. Individuals whose skin or clothing is contaminated with... 

Acetylcholinesterase An enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The action of this enzyme is inhibited by nerve agents. 

Organophosphorous Compound Containing elements of phosphorous and carbon, the physiological effects of such a compound include inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. A number of pesticides including parathion and malathione, and virtually all nerve agents, are organophosphorous compounds. 

Nerve agents are organophosphorus (OP) compounds that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) extremely rapidly, which results in an accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh), leads to muscle fasciculations and paralysis, and finally results in death (Dacre, 1984). There are several strategies available to verify an exposure to nerve agents. It is not... 

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