Final answer:
Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist used to treat nerve agent poisoning symptoms, while organophosphates are toxic substances that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to excess acetylcholine and continued nerve transmission. Atropine, alongside oximes like pralidoxime chloride, is used as a treatment for organophosphate poisoning, with atropine managing symptoms and oximes reactivating the enzyme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physiology of atropine versus organophosphate poisoning involves different mechanisms of action within the body. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, commonly used to treat the symptoms of nerve agent poisoning. On the other hand, organophosphates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which normally breaks down acetylcholine, leading to an accumulation and overstimulation of nerves. This results in a continual transmission of nerve impulses and unending muscle contractions. The standard treatment for organophosphate poisoning includes the administration of an anticholinergic drug like atropine to manage symptoms, and an oxime, such as pralidoxime chloride, to reactivate the poisoned acetylcholinesterase enzyme.
Organophosphates are related to nerve gases and are highly toxic, with substances like parathion being vastly more poisonous than DDT. The rapid environmental breakdown of these substances and their lack of accumulation in animal tissue diminish the chances of long-term residue problems, unlike some other pesticides.
Despite being an effective antidote in nerve agent poisoning, atropine treatment requires careful monitoring, as the end point of its administration is the clearing of bronchial secretions, and overdose can be fatal due to the suppression of parasympathetic function.