Cholinesterase Inhibition Essay

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor has a toxic effect on the biological system. Specifically, cholinesterase inhibition alters homeostasis by blocking the enzyme cholinesterase, causing a disruption in the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. The accumulation of acetylcholine and the concentration gradient of the toxin are factors that affect the range of possible symptoms. Mild poisonings include nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, and salivation. Paralysis and chest discomfort are moderate symptoms. Severe symptoms result in unconsciousness, convulsions, bronchial constriction, coma, and death (Fishel 2009). Atropine is the antidote administered by intramuscular injection to prevent these manifestations when exposed to a cholinesterase-inhibiting
When a character was exposed to the VX gas they accurately showed symptoms of uncontrolled muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and salivation. For example, in one scene an officer was orally exposed to the toxicant and instantly started foaming at the mouth and experiencing muscle spasms. He held his throat indicating respiratory failure. However, after 20 seconds he began to develop skin corrosion and blistering, which are inaccurate symptoms. In addition, the cholinesterase inhibitor corroded the hazardous material suits, which is an incorrect adaptation. Furthermore, not every mild to severe symptom was shown, for instance, blurred vision, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
Atropine was the antidote given in the film. In order for the atropine to counteract the VX gas, it would have to be directly injected into the heart within twenty seconds of exposure. Although the antidote was portrayed correctly, the intracardiac injection was not. If Nicolas Cage truly injected himself with the atropine then he would have bled to death once he pulled out the needle. A more realistic approach would have been to inject the antiserum into the thigh or