Sarin

Sarin is a highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agent that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine to accumulate at nerve junctions and disrupting nervous-system function.

Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. Sarin disables this enzyme, preventing normal termination of nerve signals.
Atropine: A medication that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. It reduces life-threatening muscarinic effects of sarin poisoning, though it does not reactivate acetylcholinesterase.
Tokyo subway sarin attack: A 1995 terrorist attack in which Aum Shinrikyo released sarin on Tokyo subway trains. It demonstrated the mass-casualty potential of sarin in a crowded civilian setting.
Soman: A highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agent that inhibits acetylcholinesterase. Soman shares sarin’s target but causes acetylcholinesterase to age especially rapidly.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter that carries signals across many nerve junctions and neuromuscular junctions. Its buildup after sarin exposure overstimulates cholinergic receptors.
Pralidoxime: An oxime medication used to reactivate acetylcholinesterase inhibited by some organophosphorus compounds. It can restore enzyme activity after sarin exposure if given before the enzyme ages.
Matsumoto sarin attack: A 1994 attack in Matsumoto, Japan, in which sarin was released in a residential area. It was a major sarin attack that preceded the Tokyo subway assault.
Tabun: An organophosphorus nerve agent that inhibits acetylcholinesterase. Tabun is a related nerve agent with distinct chemical properties and treatment considerations.
Cholinergic crisis: A dangerous state caused by excessive stimulation of acetylcholine receptors. It describes the acute syndrome produced by severe sarin poisoning.
Diazepam: A benzodiazepine medication used to treat seizures and other acute neurological conditions. It is used to control seizures that can occur in severe nerve-agent poisoning.

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