Non-cholinesterase effects of anticholinesterases.

The presence in the nervous tissue of extremely potent peptides arises from the enzymatic degradation of larger molecular weight proteins. These smaller units are thought to exert modulatory actions on known transmitters. Their short half-life when injected is due to the degradative action of specific EXO and ENDOPEPTIDASES. It is suggested from the meager evidence available that organophosphates may adversely affect the processes of formation and/or degradation to account for many of the adverse effects of organophosphate anticholinesterases which cannot be attributed to acetylcholine accumulation.