Organophosphorus pesticides are common compounds involved in
poisoning (Bello-Ramírez et al., 2000). They act by inhibiting the hydrolysis
reaction performed by acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is
essential for central nervous system function in insects and humans.
This inhibition leads to accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,
causing interruption of nervous impulses in the synapses
(Eyer, 2003). Moreover, organophosphate compounds have alkylating
properties due to the presence of electrophilic sites that are able to react
with nucleophilic sites on DNA in the cells (