What are organophosphates and their uses?
Organophosphates are the most widely used insecticides today. They are used in agriculture, the home, gardens, and veterinary practice. Organophosphate insecticides (such as diazinon) are one type of pesticide that works by damaging an enzyme in the body called acetylcholinesterase.
What are organophosphate drugs?
Organophosphates cause the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase which leads to the accumulation of acetylcholine in the body. Organophosphate compounds include : insecticides – malathion, parathion, diazinon, fenthion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, ethion and nerve gases – soman, sarin, tabun, VX.
What is the source of organophosphates?
Organophosphates (OP) are chemical substances produced by the process of esterification between phosphoric acid and alcohol. Organophosphates can undergo hydrolysis with the liberation of alcohol from the ester bond. These chemicals are the main components of herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides.
What are the properties of organophosphates?
Effective organophosphates have the following structural features: A terminal oxygen connected to phosphorus by a double bond, i.e. a phosphoryl group. Two lipophilic groups bonded to the phosphorus. A leaving group bonded to the phosphorus, often a halide.
What do organophosphates target?
Organophosphates induce toxicity largely by targeting serine enzymes, particularly acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a vital enzyme that terminates neurotransmission of acetylcholine.
Who discovered organophosphates?
History. Early pioneers in the field include Jean Louis Lassaigne (early 19th century) and Philippe de Clermont (1854).
What is the mechanism of action of organophosphates?
The primary mechanism of action of organophosphate pesticides is inhibition of carboxyl ester hydrolases, particularly acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE is an enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) into choline and acetic acid.
Is atropine an organophosphate?
The definitive treatment for organophosphate poisoning is atropine, which competes with acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors. The initial dose for adults is 2 to 5 mg IV or 0.05 mg/kg IV for children until reaching the adult dose.
Who discovered organophosphate?
Where are organophosphates found?
Some garden pest control products and no-pest strips. Some fruits and vegetables. Small amounts of organophosphate pesticides found in these foods come from agricultural pesticide use. Air and dust in areas where organophosphate pesticides are used, such as some farms or home gardens.