Toxins can affect neurotransmitter balance by various mechanisms including interference with neurotransmitter synthesis, release, receptor binding, and reuptake. For instance, exposure to organophosphates, commonly found in pesticides, inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses. This can result in overstimulation of cholinergic pathways, causing symptoms such as muscle twitching, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, death.
