1. ORGANOPHOSPHATES AND ENZYMES

2. 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

3. 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

4. Organophosphate and Enzymes Video

5. Here’s The Problem Integumentary System

6. Here’s The Problem Circulatory System

7. Here’s The Problem Nervous System: Organophosphates enter the brain and inhibit acetylcholinesterase.

8. 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

9. 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.