The Sound of Evolution
Isoflurophate
Mechanism of action:
Isoflurophate is an organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor. It forms a stable phosphorylated covalent bond with the active site of acetylcholinesterase, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine and causing its concentration in the synaptic cleft to rise markedly. Accumulated acetylcholine continuously activates muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to contraction of the pupillary sphincter and causing miosis, as well as contraction of the ciliary muscle, which increases aqueous humor outflow and lowers intraocular pressure.
Reference(s):
1. Malatova Z et al. (1999). Depression of acetylcholinesterase synthesis following transient cerebral ischemia in rat: pharmacohistochemical and biochemical investigation. Gen Physiol Biophys.
2. Quistad GB et al. (2000). Phosphoacetylcholinesterase: toxicity of phosphorus oxychloride to mammals and insects that can be attributed to selective phosphorylation of acetylcholinesterase by phosphorodichloridic acid. Chem Res Toxicol.
3. da Costa VL Jr et al. (2001). Short- and long-term influences of calcitonin gene-related peptide on the synthesis of acetylcholinesterase in mammalian myotubes. Br J Pharmacol.