What signal mechanism is affected by Sarin?

Question

Sarin is a toxin that affects the nervous system. 

Answer 1

Sarin is an organophosphate. The most well characterized mechanism of neurotoxicity for sarin is inhibition of Acetylcholine Esterase (AChE). AChE is an enzyme found at cholinergic synapses that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Sarin prevents the degradation of acetylcholine leading to accumulation of the neurotransmitter in the synapses. Sarin can lead to uncontrolled contractions and paralysis in muscles that are exposed because neuromuscular junctions are cholinergic synapses.

 

Other symptoms produced by sarin include headache, vertigo, indigestion, visual disorders, confusion, sleeplessness, speaking disorders, decreased heart rate, coma and respiratory paralysis. These may also be related to inhibition of AChE when cholinergic synapses of the autonomic and central nervous system are exposed to sarin.