ABSTRACT
The use of neurotoxic agents and naturally occurring neurotoxins as weapons represents one of the most frightening chapters of modern history, and yet this topic is rarely mentioned in professional toxicological literature. The vast majority of nerve agents are based on the pharmacological action of anticholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors increase the duration of the effects of endogenous acetylcholine at the cholinergic receptor sites by blocking its removal by hydrolysis. Nerve agents can be delivered by any usual munition: bombs, artillery and mortar shells, mines, rockets, missiles, and spray tanks. Protection against nerve agents is difficult. Chemical weapons, depending on conditions such as wind direction, affect victims and aggressors on an equal basis. Mask protection is known to be adequate for nerve agents in gas form. Whole-body protection is required for the V family of nerve agents, since the neurotoxic agent can be absorbed through the skin.
