What is Cholinesterase Inhibition?
Lets take a look inside the human body. The human body, as well as other animals, contain electrical switching centers called synapses. The body manufactures a chemical called acetylcholine which turns on the switches and another enzyme called acetylcholinesterase which breaks down the acetylcholine and turns off the switches. All this happens very fast. This is how the brain signals information throughout the body, to control respiration, muscle action, digestion, and other life functions. Certain chemicals can throw this out of balance. A cholinesterase inhibiting chemical (nerve agents and some pesticides) interferes with the enzyme that breaks down the acetylcholine and excessive acetylcholine builds up at the synapses. There is nothing to switch off the synapses as acetylcholine builds up. Electrical impulses fire away continuously. Repeated and unchecked firing of electrical signals causes uncontrolled and rapid twitching of muscles, paralyzed breathing, convulsions, and in extre
