4) Organophosphates inhibit the action of acetylcholinesterase. Exposure to many

Question

4) Organophosphates inhibit the action of acetylcholinesterase. Exposure to many types of insecticides results in organophosphate poisoning.

a) How would organophosphate poisoning effect?

            i) Acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft

            ii) Acetylcholine levels in the presynaptic terminal

            iii) Activity in the postsynaptic cell

b) What would the primary symptom of organophosphate poisoning be?

c) Suggest a treatment for those who have been exposed.

5) Assume a neuron has four inputs A, B, C and D. A, C, and D are glutamatergic while B is GABAergic. The membrane’s resting potential is -70mv, and the threshold potential is -55mv. These inputs can change the postsynaptic potential by the following amounts:

A: 10mv

B: 8mv

C: 15mv

D: 4mv

Which of the following would result in an action potential firing?

Please include in your answer the membrane potential after all inputs are summed. Note that I did not define if the potential changes are IPSP or EPSP.

a) C alone

b) B+C

c) B+C+D

d) A+C+B

e) A+B+C+D

6) Many Bacteria produce compounds that are toxic to the human nervous system.

a) Describe how tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin interfere with synaptic signaling—be sure to mention the specific molecular target and how that would interfere with normal neuronal communication.

b) Tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin produce different symptoms in affected individuals although they act on the same target. What is the difference in symptoms between these two toxins?

c) Explain the reason why the above answer is true.

Explanation / Answer

Ans a)

Ans b) The primary symptoms of organophosphate poisoning is muscle weakness, muscle cramps, paralysis, hypertension, fasciculation, hypoglycaemia etc. Due to the stimulation of the nicotinic acetylcholisterase receptors in CNS it leads to accumulation of acetylcholine and causes tremors, anaxiety etc. It also causes cardiovascular related symptoms like bradycardia and hypotension

Ans c) it can be treated with carbamates which helps in protecting the acetylcholisesterase. Even anti-cholirgenic drugs can be given for remove excess acetylcholine and reactive AChE. Airway control and adequate oxygenation is also required along with continuous cardiac monitoring.

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