Several toxins are known to impact the vagus nerve. For instance, botulinum toxin, produced by Clostridium botulinum, can inhibit acetylcholine release, leading to muscle paralysis and potential vagal nerve dysfunction. Similarly, organophosphates, commonly found in pesticides, can cause excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to cholinergic crisis characterized by bradycardia and hypotension.
