organophosphorous poisoning

organophosphorous poisoning

Poisoning with compounds used as insecticides and as war nerve gases because of their powerful action in preventing CHOLINESTERASE from breaking down the neurotransmitter ACETYLCHOLINE. The effect of these agents are to produce excessive cholinergic activity-salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, perspiration, small pupils, twitching, convulsions and death. ATROPINE, that blocks cholinergic nerve endings is the mainstay of treatment. Cholinesterase reactivators such as obidoxime and other oximes are also useful.