Question

Students in a veterinary school were given the following hypothetical problem. A dog ingests organophosphate poison, and the students are responsible for saving the animal’s life. Organophosphate poisons bind to and inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Several substances they could inject include the following: acetylcholine, curare (which blocks acetylcholine receptors), and potassium chloride. If you were a student in the class, what would you do to save the animal and why? (Please include an explanation for all 3 choices in your response)

Answer 1

Answers is curane.

In organophosphate poisoning, there is deficiency of acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Due to this, there is excess of acetylcholine which cause cholinergic crisis. Symptoms include lacrimation, salivation, miosis, bronchospasm, fall in BP, muscle weakness and sometimes respiratory failure.

To prevent this Curane can be given.

Curane is nicotinic receptors blocker. It will block the binding of acetylcholine on its receptors so will reduce the effects of cholinergic crisis.

On the other hand, if acetylcholine is given in poisoning, then it will increase the cholinergic effects and will worsen the situation

Lack has no direct effect on acetylcholine metabolism.