How Do Toxins Affect the Autonomic Nervous System?
Toxins can interfere with the ANS at various levels, including neurotransmitter synthesis and release, receptor binding, and signal transduction pathways. For instance, organophosphates, commonly found in pesticides, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses. This results in overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms such as salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal distress, and emesis (SLUDGE syndrome).
