(no subject)
FYI:
Sarin, also known by its designation of GB (O-Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate), is an extremely potent organophosphate compound that disrupts the nervous system by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme by forming a covalent bond with the site of the enzyme where acetylcholine normally undergoes hydrolysis. This allows acetylcholine to build up in the synapse (specialized junctions through which the cells of the nervous system signal to each other and to non-neuronal cells such as those in muscles) and continue to act so that any nerve impulses are, in effect, continually transmitted. Initial symptoms following exposure to sarin are a runny nose, tightness in the chest and constriction of the pupils. Soon after, the victim has difficulty breathing and experiences nausea and drooling. As the victim continues to lose control of bodily functions, he vomits, defecates and urinates. This phase is followed by twitching and jerking. Ultimately, the victim becomes comatose and suffocates in a series of convulsive spasms. Even at very low concentrations, sarin can be fatal. Death may follow in one minute after direct ingestion of about 0.01 milligram per kilogram of body weight if antidotes are not quickly administered. It is estimated that sarin is more than 500 times as toxic as cyanide.
Sarin, also known by its designation of GB (O-Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate), is an extremely potent organophosphate compound that disrupts the nervous system by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme by forming a covalent bond with the site of the enzyme where acetylcholine normally undergoes hydrolysis. This allows acetylcholine to build up in the synapse (specialized junctions through which the cells of the nervous system signal to each other and to non-neuronal cells such as those in muscles) and continue to act so that any nerve impulses are, in effect, continually transmitted. Initial symptoms following exposure to sarin are a runny nose, tightness in the chest and constriction of the pupils. Soon after, the victim has difficulty breathing and experiences nausea and drooling. As the victim continues to lose control of bodily functions, he vomits, defecates and urinates. This phase is followed by twitching and jerking. Ultimately, the victim becomes comatose and suffocates in a series of convulsive spasms. Even at very low concentrations, sarin can be fatal. Death may follow in one minute after direct ingestion of about 0.01 milligram per kilogram of body weight if antidotes are not quickly administered. It is estimated that sarin is more than 500 times as toxic as cyanide.