Abstract
Nerve agents are organophosphate compounds used in chemical warfare and terrorism and are the most potent toxic synthetic compounds known. At ambient temperatures, nerve agents are liquids that readily penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream; thus, dermal contact is an important route of exposure. Another important route of exposure is inhalation, since nerve agent vapors and aerosol droplets are easily inhaled and highly toxic. Cholinesterase inhibition is the primary mechanism of toxicity and clinical management includes drug therapy that restores normal cholinergic signaling as well as supportive care. Nerve agents are acutely toxic; the clinical effects of exposure may appear within seconds to hours or days depending on the level and route of exposure. A number of different nerve agents have been synthesized but not all of them will be described in this article; the five compounds described herein are the best known and are fairly representative of other compounds in this class.
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