Abstract
The inhibition of the enzyme cholinesterase (ChE) by organophosphorus insecticides has been the subject of several excellent reviews (O’BRIEN I960, HEATH 1961); the carbamate insecticides have a similar action. It appears that the toxicity of these substances to mammals, and presumably also to insects, is largely, if not entirely, due to the inhibition of this enzyme in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses. There is also a considerable quantity of this enzyme in the circulating blood, both in the red cells and in plasma, though physiologists have not yet given a satisfactory account of the role of this high concentration. The absorption of ChE inhibitors into the body is rapidly followed by a diminution in the activity of the blood enzymes.
Presented in part at the 15th International Congress on Occupational Health, Vienna, Sept. 1966.
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Gage, J.C. (1967). The significance of blood cholinesterase activity measurements. In: Gunther, F.A. (eds) Residue Reviews / Rückstands-Berichte. Residue Reviews / Rückstandsberichte, vol 18. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8422-3_5
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