VM (nerve agent): Difference between revisions

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VM (nerve agent)

VM is a nerve agent of the V-series of organophosphorus compounds. It is a highly toxic chemical warfare agent that disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

Chemical Properties

VM is part of the V-series of nerve agents, which also includes VX, VE, VG, and others. These agents are characterized by their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. VM is an organophosphate compound, meaning it contains phosphorus bonded to carbon and oxygen atoms.

Mechanism of Action

Like other nerve agents, VM inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, causing continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and central nervous system structures. This leads to muscle spasms, seizures, and eventually paralysis.

Symptoms of Exposure

Exposure to VM can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the dose and route of exposure. Initial symptoms may include miosis (constricted pupils), rhinorrhea (runny nose), and dyspnea (difficulty breathing). As exposure increases, symptoms can progress to convulsions, loss of consciousness, and respiratory arrest.

Treatment

The primary treatment for VM exposure is the administration of atropine, which blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, and pralidoxime, which reactivates acetylcholinesterase. Benzodiazepines may also be used to control seizures.

History and Use

The V-series nerve agents were developed in the 1950s and 1960s as part of chemical weapons programs. VM, like other V-agents, was designed to be a more persistent and potent alternative to earlier nerve agents such as sarin and tabun.

Related Pages

References

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-'''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|Chemical structure of VM nerve agent]]
-== History ==
+'''VM''' is a [[nerve agent]] of the [[V-series]] of [[organophosphorus]] compounds. It is a highly toxic chemical warfare agent that disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in the nervous system, leading to [[muscle paralysis]] and potentially fatal [[respiratory failure]].
-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 Properties ==
-== Properties ==
+VM is part of the V-series of nerve agents, which also includes [[VX (nerve agent)|VX]], [[VE (nerve agent)|VE]], [[VG (nerve agent)|VG]], and others. These agents are characterized by their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. VM is an [[organophosphate]] compound, meaning it contains phosphorus bonded to carbon and oxygen atoms.
-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 ==
+Like other nerve agents, VM inhibits the enzyme [[acetylcholinesterase]], which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter [[acetylcholine]] in the synaptic cleft. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, causing continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and central nervous system structures. This leads to [[muscle spasms]], [[seizures]], and eventually paralysis.
+== Symptoms of Exposure ==
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+Exposure to VM can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the dose and route of exposure. Initial symptoms may include [[miosis]] (constricted pupils), [[rhinorrhea]] (runny nose), and [[dyspnea]] (difficulty breathing). As exposure increases, symptoms can progress to [[convulsions]], [[loss of consciousness]], and [[respiratory arrest]].
-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.
+== Treatment ==
-== Symptoms and Treatment ==
+The primary treatment for VM exposure is the administration of [[atropine]], which blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, and [[pralidoxime]], which reactivates acetylcholinesterase. [[Benzodiazepines]] may also be used to control seizures.
-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.
+== History and Use ==
-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 V-series nerve agents were developed in the 1950s and 1960s as part of chemical weapons programs. VM, like other V-agents, was designed to be a more persistent and potent alternative to earlier nerve agents such as [[sarin]] and [[tabun]].
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[VX (nerve agent)]]
+* [[Nerve agent]]
 * [[Chemical warfare]]
-* [[Nerve gas]]
-* [[Organophosphate poisoning]]
+== References ==
+{{Reflist}}
 [[Category:Nerve agents]]
-[[Category:Chemical weapons]]
+[[Category:Organophosphates]]
-[[Category:V-series]]
+[[Category:Chemical warfare agents]]
-{{Chemical weapons}}
-{{Nerve agents}}
-{{pharmacology-stub}}