Organophosphorus compounds, toxic effects mechanism

The toxicity of the P-halidc anhydrides, like that of phosphoroxychloride (POCl3) and of other organophosphorus compounds discussed earlier in this section, is due to their high efficiency as irreversible inactivators of acetylcholinesterase [157]. The main target organs for the lethal effects of these chemical weapons are the brain and diaphragm. As for the detoxification of the P-halide anhydrides, it can occur by a number of biochemical mechanisms, namely chemical hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, and binding to hydrolases such as carboxylesterases, cholinesterases, and albumin [68][158][159]. 

The mechanism by which pesticides exert their toxic effects on mammals has been characterized for only a few groups of compounds [17,18]. For example, the mechanism for organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides involves inhibition of cholinesterase also, nitrophenols and higher chlorinated phenols are inhibitors for oxidative phosphorylation [10]. Fat-soluble substances (e.g., organochlorines such as DDT, HCH, and other persistent substances) accumulate in the body and, when stored in fatty tissues, cannot be... 

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