Organophosphorus compounds, toxic effects delayed neuropathy

This group of compounds is used as pesticides and nerve gases. The structure and therefore metabolism and potency varies. However, they all act in a similar manner. There are two toxic effects, cholinesterase inhibition and delayed neuropathy, but all OPs do not necessarily cause both. The cholinesterase inhibition results from the similarity between the organophosphorus compound and acetylcholine. The organophosphorus compound therefore acts as a pseudosubstrate but blocks the enzyme, in some cases, permanently. This is because the... 

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.)... 

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