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Environ Health Perspect. 1990 Jul; 87: 245–254.
doi: 10.1289/ehp.9087245
PMCID: PMC1567830
PMID: 2176588

Mechanism of action of organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides.

T R Fukuto
Author information Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer

Abstract

Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides are toxic to insects and mammals by virtue of their ability to inactivate the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This review addresses the mechanism of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by organophosphorus and carbamate esters, focusing on structural requirements necessary for anticholinesterase activity. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by these compounds is discussed in terms of reactivity and steric effects. The role of metabolic activation or degradation in the overall intoxication process is also discussed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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