Nerve agent
Nerve agent
A nerve agent (pronounced: /ˈnɜːrv ˈeɪdʒənt/) is a class of organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanisms by which nerves transfer messages to organs. The disruption is caused by the blocking of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.
Etymology
The term "nerve agent" is derived from its ability to affect the transmission of nerve impulses. The word "nerve" comes from the Latin nervus meaning "sinew, tendon, nerve", while "agent" comes from the Latin agens meaning "a doer, driver, performer".
Types of Nerve Agents
There are several types of nerve agents, all of which are organophosphorus compounds. These include:
Effects
Nerve agents are highly toxic and can cause death within minutes. Symptoms of exposure include convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure, and in severe cases, death.
Treatment
Treatment for nerve agent exposure includes immediate administration of an antidote, decontamination, and supportive care. Antidotes include atropine, pralidoxime, and benzodiazepines.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nerve agent
- Wikipedia's article - Nerve agent
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