Emma Wilson
Organophosphates (OPs) are highly toxic chemicals used in pesticides, medications, and nerve agents. They are easily absorbed through the skin, conjunctiva, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are a diverse group of fungi, some of which are edible while others contain toxins that can cause mushroom poisoning. So, do all mushrooms absorb organophosphates? Let's delve into the topic to find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are organophosphates? | Organophosphorus compounds; most toxic type of pesticide to vertebrates |
| What are they used for? | Insecticides, medications, nerve agents, and pesticides |
| How do they enter the body? | Absorbed through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes, conjunctiva, and respiratory systems |
| What are the symptoms of organophosphate poisoning? | Excess salivation, lacrimation, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, small pupils, muscle tremors, confusion, seizures, etc. |
| What is the mechanism of action? | Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, leading to a buildup of acetylcholine |
| How is it treated? | Atropine, 2-PAM, decontamination, ventilation support, and extracorporeal elimination procedures |
| What are the diagnostic tests? | Determination of acetylcholinesterase levels in fresh blood, stomach contents, liver, kidney, and brain tissue |
| How can exposure be prevented? | Avoidance of treated areas, decontamination of skin, eyes, and stomach |
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What You'll Learn
Organophosphates are toxic insecticides
Organophosphates (OPs) are chemical compounds formed through the esterification process involving phosphoric acid and alcohol. They are highly toxic insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides. OPs are present in nearly 40% of all pesticides used in the United States, with 75% of their use in agriculture. They are also used in residential treatments, ornamentals, and floriculture.
OPs are highly lipid-soluble and are easily absorbed through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. They are widely distributed in the body but do not sequester in adipose tissues. OPs are rapidly excreted, usually as products of hydrolysis in the urine. The range of toxicity of these insecticides is very wide, and they are the most toxic to vertebrates. They are also unstable and non-persistent, with a relatively short environmental persistence, especially under alkaline conditions.
The toxicity of OPs is due to their ability to act as inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at cholinergic junctions of the nervous system. This inhibition leads to a buildup of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in the body, resulting in symptoms associated with the cholinergic toxidrome. The onset and severity of symptoms depend on the specific chemical, route of exposure, dose, and the individual's ability to degrade the compound. Symptoms of OP poisoning include increased salivation, tear production, diarrhea, vomiting, small pupils, sweating, muscle tremors, and confusion.
OP poisoning can occur through inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion of food or water treated with OP insecticides or herbicides. It is commonly seen as a result of suicide attempts or accidental ingestion in farming areas, especially in the developing world. Treatment of OP toxicity involves the administration of atropine and 2-PAM to alleviate symptoms, along with decontamination of the skin, stomach, and eyes.
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They are absorbed through skin, GI tract, and respiratory system
Organophosphates (OPs) are toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system. They are highly lipid-soluble, which makes it easy for them to enter the body through these routes. OPs are commonly used as insecticides, medications, and nerve agents, and exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. For example, this may happen when food has been treated with an OP herbicide or insecticide.
OPs are toxic because they inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to a buildup of acetylcholine in the body. This disruption causes an array of symptoms, including increased salivation, tear production, diarrhoea, vomiting, small pupils, sweating, muscle tremors, and confusion. The onset of symptoms varies, with some appearing within minutes to hours, while others may take weeks. The specific symptoms and their timing depend on the type, amount, and concentration of the OPs, as well as the route of exposure.
The skin is an effective barrier against OPs, but its integrity can be compromised by conditions like dermatitis or excoriation, increasing the rate of absorption. When OPs come into contact with the skin, they can be readily absorbed, although the degree of absorption varies depending on the specific chemical. For instance, malathion, a commonly used OP, has low skin absorption compared to other OPs.
The gastrointestinal tract is another route of OP absorption. Ingesting OPs, either accidentally or intentionally, can lead to rapid absorption through the GI tract. This route of exposure is particularly dangerous, as it can directly introduce toxins into the body, bypassing some of the body's natural defences. Ingestion is a common route of exposure, especially in children through accidental consumption and in suicide attempts.
The respiratory system is also vulnerable to OP absorption. Inhalation of OP vapours is a rapid route of entry, with symptoms often appearing quickly. Occupational groups such as farmers, gardeners, crop dusters, and pesticide handlers are at a higher risk of exposure through inhalation due to their frequent contact with these chemicals.
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Mushrooms contain toxins affecting cholinergic receptors
Mushrooms are linked to toxicity in humans and animals. While mushroom foraging is a recreational activity, consuming the wrong types of mushrooms can lead to mushroom poisoning, which has been implicated in the deaths of several historical figures, including the Roman Emperor Claudius.
Mushroom toxins are estimated to remain unidentified in over 90% of cases. However, one of the toxins that has been identified is muscarine, a cholinergic toxin found in mushrooms such as Inocybe and Clitocybe species. When ingested, muscarine stimulates postganglionic cholinergic receptors in the autonomic nervous system, causing a cholinergic toxidrome. Symptoms of cholinergic toxidrome include diarrhea, urinary frequency, miosis, bradycardia, bronchorrhea, vomiting, lacrimation, lethargy, and hypersalivation.
Mushrooms containing coprine toxins may cause disulfiram-like reactions, such as flushing, headache, tachycardia, chest pain, and anxiety, when taken within three days of consuming alcohol. False lamb mushrooms containing gyromitrin may also cause neurotoxic seizures, and mushrooms such as Clitocybe dealbata contain muscarine, causing cholinergic syndrome.
Cholinergic toxidrome symptoms are similar to those of organophosphate poisoning, which occurs due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by organophosphates, leading to a buildup of acetylcholine (ACh) in the body. However, while organophosphate poisoning can be fatal, death from cholinergic toxidrome is rare, and symptoms usually resolve within 12 hours.
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Organophosphate poisoning symptoms include SLUDGEM
Organophosphates (OPs) are a group of chemicals used in both domestic and industrial settings. They are commonly used as insecticides, medications, and nerve agents. OPs are highly toxic and are easily absorbed through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. They can also be ingested through food that has been treated with an OP herbicide or insecticide.
OP poisoning can occur through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. The symptoms of OP poisoning include SLUDGEM:
- Salivation: Excessive salivation is a common symptom of OP poisoning due to the overstimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
- Lacrimation: Increased tear production is another symptom caused by the overstimulation of muscarinic receptors.
- Urination: OP poisoning can lead to increased urination, which is a result of the effects of OPs on the body's nervous system.
- Defecation: Diarrhea is a common symptom of OP poisoning, as it affects the gastrointestinal tract.
- Gastrointestinal motility: OPs can cause intestinal hypermotility, leading to abdominal pain and intestinal issues.
- Emesis: OP poisoning can cause vomiting and nausea.
- Miosis: Small pupils are a symptom of OP poisoning, along with visual disturbances, chest tightness, and wheezing.
Other symptoms of OP poisoning include muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, and muscle tremors. The onset of symptoms can vary, with some appearing within minutes to hours, while others may take weeks. Treatment for OP poisoning includes atropine and 2-PAM (2-pyridine aldoxime methiodide), along with supportive care and respiratory support.
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Treatment for organophosphate poisoning includes atropine
Organophosphates (OPs) are a group of highly toxic chemicals used in pesticides, medications, and nerve agents. OPs are easily absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract, and exposure can cause serious health issues and even death. The symptoms of OP poisoning include increased salivation, tear production, diarrhea, vomiting, small pupils, sweating, muscle tremors, and confusion. Treatment for OP poisoning includes atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist that has been a core antidotal treatment since the 1950s.
Atropine is administered to counteract the muscarinic effects of OPs, such as excessive salivation, lacrimation, sweating, and diarrhea. It competes with acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors, blocking the effects of OP poisoning. The recommended initial dose of atropine is 0.5 to 1.0 mg, with subsequent doses administered at 15-minute intervals until signs of OP reversal are observed, such as the cessation of sweating and salivation, facial flushing, and papillary dilation. In cases of severe OP poisoning, much larger doses of atropine may be required, and patients may need hundreds of milligrams of atropine over several days to weeks until they show improvement.
It is important to note that atropine does not reverse the nicotinic effects of OP poisoning, and muscle weakness may persist. Additionally, atropine should be used with caution, as it can cause anticholinergic signs and symptoms such as dry skin and mucosa, decreased bowel sounds, tachycardia, and reduced secretions. The use of atropine should be optimized with oxygenation to minimize the potential for dysrhythmias.
Other treatments for OP poisoning include pralidoxime (2-PAM), benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam), and bioscavengers aimed at preventing AChE inhibition. Decontamination of the skin, stomach, and eyes is also necessary, along with symptomatic treatment and respiratory support.
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