Which enzyme is decreased in organophosphate insecticide poisoning?

Which enzyme is decreased in organophosphate insecticide poisoning?

• A. Amylase
• B. Cholinesterase
• C. Lipase
• D. Alanine Aminotransferase

Answer: (B)

Organophosphate insecticides block cholinesterase enzymes, so their activity in the blood falls after exposure. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to accumulation at nerve endings and characteristic cholinergic effects. Measuring cholinesterase activity thus shows a decrease, making it the enzyme most affected by this poisoning. The other enzymes listed—amylase and lipase (pancreatic enzymes) and alanine aminotransferase (a liver enzyme)—do not have their levels decreased by organophosphate exposure; they may be unchanged or altered for other reasons, but not specifically reduced in this context.

Organophosphate insecticides block cholinesterase enzymes, so their activity in the blood falls after exposure. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to accumulation at nerve endings and characteristic cholinergic effects. Measuring cholinesterase activity thus shows a decrease, making it the enzyme most affected by this poisoning. The other enzymes listed—amylase and lipase (pancreatic enzymes) and alanine aminotransferase (a liver enzyme)—do not have their levels decreased by organophosphate exposure; they may be unchanged or altered for other reasons, but not specifically reduced in this context.