How Does Toxicology Impact the Parasympathetic System?
In toxicology, substances known as cholinergic agents can significantly affect the parasympathetic nervous system. These agents can be naturally occurring or synthetic, and they either mimic or inhibit the action of acetylcholine. For example, organophosphates, which are common in pesticides, inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an excess of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. This can cause overstimulation of the parasympathetic system, leading to symptoms such as bradycardia, salivation, and muscle twitching.
