Question

Organophosphate compounds are irreversible inhibitors of acerylcholinesterase. What effect does an organophosphate inhibitor have on the transmission of nerve impulses?

Short answer

Answer: Organophosphate inhibition leads to a buildup of acetylcholine, causing continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic membrane and disrupting nerve impulse transmission. This can result in excessive secretions, muscle twitching, respiratory distress, and even paralysis or death. Prevention or treatment may involve administering medications like atropine or pralidoxime to counteract the excessive activation of the postsynaptic membrane.

Step-by-step solution

Acetylcholine and Acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses at the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine into choline and acetate after it has served its purpose in transmitting the nerve impulse. This process is crucial to prevent continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic membrane and allow the nerve impulse to be properly transmitted.

Organophosphate Inhibitors

Organophosphate compounds are irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. This means that once the organophosphate compound binds to the active site of the enzyme, it forms a covalent bond and permanently inactivates the enzyme.

Effect on the Transmission of Nerve Impulses

Since organophosphate inhibitors permanently inactivate acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme can no longer break down acetylcholine effectively. This results in a buildup of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, which leads to continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic membrane. In effect, organophosphate inhibitors disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the nervous system.

Consequences of Organophosphate Inhibition

The disruption of nerve impulse transmission due to organophosphate inhibition can have severe consequences, such as excessive secretions, muscle twitching, respiratory distress, and even paralysis or death. In order to prevent or treat the effects of organophosphate inhibitors, medications like atropine or pralidoxime may be administered to counteract the excessive activation of the postsynaptic membrane.