ORGANOPHOSPHATES AND ENZYMES
Neuron: A cell that transmits electrical or chemical signals in the body Neurotransmitter: A chemical that sends a signal from one neuron to another Synapse: The connection between neurons where neurotransmitters pass. Vocabulary to Know: Review
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter involved in transmission of signals that regulate muscle stimulation, learning and memory. Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that degrades acetylcholine (substrate). Why might this be important? Acetylcholine and Acetylcholinesterase
Organophosphate and Enzymes Video
Here’s The Problem Integumentary System
Here’s The Problem Circulatory System
Here’s The Problem Nervous System: Organophosphates enter the brain and inhibit acetylcholinesterase.
Nervous System With organophosphates around, acetylcholine builds up in the nervous system (parasympathetic and sympathetic) The build up in the parasympathetic causes the most symptoms. Bad things happen. SLUDGE: Overstimulation at the orifices. Increased saliva, tears, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal problems and vomiting
Other Non-Competitive Inhibitors Alzheimer’s disease drugs work this way too. They “stop up” acetylcholinesterase in order to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. This is important for thinking and memory.