An Overview of Organophosphorus Poisoning

Organophosphorus poisoning can occur when one is exposed to organophosphates for too long or at high levels. Organophosphates are a common type of insecticide. However, high levels of organophosphates can be harmful to humans and other animals.

Organophosphates are useful as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and as nerve agents. Due to the extensive usage of these chemicals in agriculture, the majority of organophosphate toxicity cases presently involve farmers and other individuals who function in this field.

TOXICOKINETICS

• Organophosphate molecules can penetrate the body through the skin, by inhalation, or through the digestive system

• The molecule permeates red blood cells where it binds to an acetylcholinesterase molecule, making the enzyme inactive

• This causes synapses and neuromuscular junctions to accumulate an excess of acetylcholine

• Myoclonic jerks and fasciculations can occur as a result of the overstimulation of nicotinic receptors at neuromuscular junctions

• The depolarizing blockage ultimately results in flaccid paralysis

• The adrenal glands have nicotinic receptors, which can lead to hypertension, perspiration, tachycardia, and leukocytosis with a left shift

• The effects of organophosphate poisoning on muscarinic receptors result in additional symptoms

• G-protein-coupled receptors are responsible for these effects, which are typically slower than those of nicotinic receptors

• Organophosphate toxicity has parasympathetic effects on several systems, including the heart, exocrine glands, and smooth muscles

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms range from mild to moderate depending on the exposure to organophosphates, they include:

Mild organophosphate exposure results in:

• Pupils are constricted and pointed
• Impaired, blurry vision
• Stinging eyes
• Excess saliva
• Muscle twitching
• Agitation

Moderate organophosphate exposure results in:

• Disorientation
• Coughing and wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling or excessive phlegm
• Severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Involuntary urination and defecation

COMPLICATIONS

Organophosphate poisoning can lead to several significant consequences. These are some examples:

• Metabolic disorders, such as hyperglycemia and glycosuria
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Pancreatitis
• Cancer
• Neurological disorders such as muscular weakness and twitching
• Post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as loss of concentration and loss of memory
• Fertility problems
• Paralysis