How do Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides cause acute toxicity symptoms?
By interfering with acetylcholinesterase, leading to acetylcholine buildup.
Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides exert their acute toxic effects through a specific biochemical mechanism targeting the nervous system. These chemicals are potent inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine after a nerve impulse has been transmitted across a synapse. When this enzyme is inhibited or disabled by the pesticide, acetylcholine accumulates excessively in the synaptic clefts. This massive overstimulation of the receptors results in a cascade of severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, excessive salivation, and critically, respiratory failure if the condition is not immediately managed. This mechanism is central to the immediate danger posed by exposure to these specific classes of insecticides.
