anticholinesterase
Nerve agent antidote
An anticholinesterase is a substance that inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase, which normally breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
By blocking this breakdown, anticholinesterases increase acetylcholine levels at nerve synapses.
They have medical uses treating conditions like myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer's disease, but some—like certain nerve agents and pesticides—are highly toxic.
Phosphorus compound, often toxic
- sarinOrganophosphate chemical weapon
- VXChemical warfare toxin
- novichokMilitary-grade neurotoxin class
- pesticideAgent destroying harmful organisms
insecticide · poisoning · toxicity · exposure · nerve agent · chemical weapon · contamination · hazmat
Nerve signal crossing point
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- neuromuscularNerve-to-muscle signaling
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- nicotinicRelating to tobacco's active compound
transmission · nerve · neuron · cognition · memory · dendrite · axon · vesicle
Agent that slows reactions
- reversibleAble to be undone
- irreversibleCannot be undone
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- pharmacokineticsDrug fate in body
bioavailability · dosage · therapeutic · prophylaxis · antidote · atropine · pralidoxime · treatment
organophosphate
Phosphorus compound, often toxic
pesticide · insecticide · poisoning · toxicity · exposure · nerve agent · chemical weapon · contamination · hazmat · decontamination
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- neuromuscularNerve-to-muscle signaling
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
nicotinic · transmission · nerve · neuron · cognition · memory · dendrite · axon · vesicle · signal
inhibitor
Agent that slows reactions
- reversibleAble to be undone
- irreversibleCannot be undone
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
pharmacokinetics · bioavailability · dosage · therapeutic · prophylaxis · antidote · atropine · pralidoxime · treatment · medication
Alzheimer
Progressive memory-destroying brain disease
- dementiaChronic cognitive impairment
- glaucomaPressure damages optic nerve
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
symptom · weakness · ptosis · diplopia · fatigue · tremor · bradycardia · salivation · miosis · bronchoconstriction
anticholinesteraseanticholinergic
Blocks acetylcholine receptors
atropine · scopolamine · parasympatholytic · botulinum toxin