The chief physiologic effect of nerve gas, such as VX, is to:
A) reversibly block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
B) competitively block the nicotinic receptor sites at the neuromuscular junction.
C) competitively block the muscarinic receptor sites at the target organs.
D) produce an adrenergic blockade throughout the body.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nerve gas, such as VX, irreversibly blocks the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which results in an accumulation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft. This causes excessive stimulation of both the muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, leading to symptoms such as respiratory distress, excessive salivation and lacrimation, convulsions, and respiratory and cardiac failure.

The Chief Physiologic Effect of Nerve Gas, Such as VX