Knowra Organophosphate poisoning Organophosphate poisoning Organophosphate poisoning is illness caused by exposure to chemicals that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, allowing acetylcholine to accumulate and overstimulate cholinergic receptors.
Acetylcholinesterase : An enzyme that terminates cholinergic signaling by breaking down acetylcholine at synapses and neuromuscular junctions. Organophosphates inhibit this enzyme, allowing acetylcholine to build up.
Organophosphate insecticide : A pesticide containing an organophosphorus compound that kills insects by disrupting acetylcholinesterase activity. Insecticides are a major source of accidental, occupational, and intentional poisoning.
Organophosphorus chemistry : The chemistry of compounds containing carbon–phosphorus or carbon–oxygen–phosphorus structures. Organophosphate toxicants belong to this broad chemical family.
Carbamate poisoning : Poisoning caused by carbamate compounds that reversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase. It can resemble organophosphate poisoning, but enzyme inhibition generally reverses more readily.
Acetylcholine : A neurotransmitter used by cholinergic neurons at autonomic synapses, neuromuscular junctions, and within the central nervous system. Its excess drives the muscarinic, nicotinic, and central effects of poisoning.
Nerve agent : A highly toxic chemical warfare agent that disrupts nervous-system signaling, often by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Nerve agents cause a rapidly developing form of organophosphate poisoning.
Pesticide poisoning : Illness caused by exposure to substances used to prevent, destroy, or control pests. Organophosphate poisoning is one major form of pesticide poisoning.
Anticholinergic syndrome : A toxidrome caused by blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, producing effects opposite to many cholinergic signs. Dry skin and reduced secretions contrast with the wet, secretory pattern of cholinergic poisoning.
Cholinergic crisis : A dangerous syndrome of excessive cholinergic activity, often involving secretions, muscle weakness, and impaired breathing. It describes the acute syndrome produced by severe organophosphate poisoning.
Cholinergic toxidrome : A recognizable cluster of signs caused by excessive acetylcholine activity at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Clinicians use this pattern to recognize poisoning before laboratory confirmation.
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