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

Acetylcholine

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.