VM (nerve agent): Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:32, 15 February 2025

VM (Nerve Agent)[edit]

VM is a nerve agent belonging to the V-series nerve agents, which are a group of highly toxic chemical warfare agents. These agents are known for their ability to disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit]

VM is an organophosphorus compound, characterized by its phosphorus-sulfur bond. The skeletal structure of VM is depicted in the image to the right. Like other V-series agents, VM is a liquid at room temperature and is known for its high boiling point and low volatility, making it a persistent threat in contaminated environments.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

VM, like other nerve agents, exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is crucial for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and central nervous system structures. This results in a range of symptoms, including muscle twitching, respiratory failure, and potentially death.

Symptoms of Exposure[edit]

Exposure to VM can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the dose and route of exposure. Common symptoms include:

Miosis (constriction of the pupils)
Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
Bronchoconstriction
Muscle weakness
Seizures
Coma

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for VM exposure involves the administration of atropine and pralidoxime. Atropine works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, while pralidoxime reactivates acetylcholinesterase by removing the phosphate group attached by the nerve agent. Supportive care, including ventilation and oxygen therapy, may also be necessary.

History and Use[edit]

The V-series nerve agents, including VM, were developed during the Cold War as part of chemical weapons programs. Due to their high toxicity and persistence, these agents are considered weapons of mass destruction and are banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''VM (nerve agent)'''
+== VM (Nerve Agent) ==
-'''VM''' is a [[nerve agent]] that belongs to the [[V-series]] of nerve agents, which also includes [[VX (nerve agent)|VX]] and [[VE (nerve agent)|VE]]. Like other nerve agents, VM is a potent [[cholinergic]] compound that disrupts the functioning of the [[nervous system]] by inhibiting the enzyme [[acetylcholinesterase]].
+[[File:VM-2D-skeletal.png|thumb|right|200px|Skeletal structure of VM nerve agent]]
-== History ==
+'''VM''' is a [[nerve agent]] belonging to the [[V-series nerve agents]], which are a group of highly toxic chemical warfare agents. These agents are known for their ability to disrupt the normal functioning of the [[nervous system]] by inhibiting the enzyme [[acetylcholinesterase]].
-VM was first synthesized in the 1950s, during the height of the [[Cold War]], as part of a broader effort to develop new and more potent [[chemical weapons]]. The exact details of its synthesis and the identities of its creators remain classified.
+=== Chemical Structure and Properties ===
-== Properties ==
+VM is an organophosphorus compound, characterized by its phosphorus-sulfur bond. The skeletal structure of VM is depicted in the image to the right. Like other V-series agents, VM is a [[liquid]] at room temperature and is known for its high [[boiling point]] and low [[volatility]], making it a persistent threat in contaminated environments.
-VM is a viscous, amber-colored liquid that is less volatile than other nerve agents. This low volatility makes it primarily a contact hazard, although it can also be dispersed as an aerosol. VM is highly toxic, with a lethal dose for humans estimated to be less than 10 milligrams.
+=== Mechanism of Action ===
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+VM, like other nerve agents, exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is crucial for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter [[acetylcholine]] in the [[synaptic cleft]]. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to continuous stimulation of [[muscles]], [[glands]], and [[central nervous system]] structures. This results in a range of symptoms, including [[muscle twitching]], [[respiratory failure]], and potentially [[death]].
-Like other nerve agents, VM exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is crucial for the normal functioning of the nervous system. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of [[acetylcholine]], a neurotransmitter, in the synapses, causing overstimulation of muscles and glands throughout the body.
+=== Symptoms of Exposure ===
-== Symptoms and Treatment ==
+Exposure to VM can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the dose and route of exposure. Common symptoms include:
+* [[Miosis]] (constriction of the pupils)
+* [[Rhinorrhea]] (runny nose)
+* [[Bronchoconstriction]]
+* [[Muscle weakness]]
+* [[Seizures]]
+* [[Coma]]
-Exposure to VM can cause a range of symptoms, including [[miosis]] (constriction of the pupils), excessive salivation, [[bronchoconstriction]] (narrowing of the airways), and convulsions. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
+=== Treatment ===
-Treatment for VM exposure involves the administration of [[atropine]], a drug that blocks the effects of acetylcholine, and [[pralidoxime]], which reactivates acetylcholinesterase. Immediate decontamination is also crucial to prevent further absorption of the agent.
+The primary treatment for VM exposure involves the administration of [[atropine]] and [[pralidoxime]]. Atropine works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, while pralidoxime reactivates acetylcholinesterase by removing the phosphate group attached by the nerve agent. Supportive care, including [[ventilation]] and [[oxygen therapy]], may also be necessary.
-== See Also ==
+=== History and Use ===
+The V-series nerve agents, including VM, were developed during the [[Cold War]] as part of chemical weapons programs. Due to their high toxicity and persistence, these agents are considered weapons of mass destruction and are banned under the [[Chemical Weapons Convention]].
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Nerve agent]]
+* [[Acetylcholinesterase]]
+* [[V-series nerve agents]]
 * [[Chemical warfare]]
-* [[Nerve gas]]
-* [[Organophosphate poisoning]]
 [[Category:Nerve agents]]
-[[Category:Chemical weapons]]
+[[Category:Chemical warfare]]
-[[Category:V-series]]
-{{Chemical weapons}}
-{{Nerve agents}}
-{{pharmacology-stub}}