Many organophosphate esters are potent insecticides. They are readily taken up by the body by different routes, even the skin and conjunctiva of the eyes, which when unprotected may receive considerable exposure. The acute toxicity of the organophosphates is mainly due to the inhibition of cholinesterase in synapses of the nervous system and its end organs. Cholinesterase inhibition by organophosphates is to a large extent irreversible and the recovery of the enzyme activity is slow and may require several weeks. The symptoms of organophosphate poisoning are nausea, giddiness, blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, impaired night vision and sometimes loss of consciousness.
Lipids/Trace Metals
CHE
Acetylcholinesterase
Red cell cholinesterase
2 weeks
3459