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Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

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296 11 Drug-Related and Toxin-Related Deaths<br />

to fish. It may be ingested or inhaled. The CNS is the primary target of mercury<br />

poisoning, causing long-term deficits, including dementia. Other organ systems<br />

affected include the kidneys and the GI system.<br />

Other Poisons<br />

Organophosphates<br />

Organophosphates are commonly used as insecticides. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase,<br />

which normally functions at nerve endings to break down acetylcholine,<br />

which is a neurotransmitter. In the presence of organophosphates, the<br />

acetylcholine is not properly metabolized so there is continued nerve transmission,<br />

or overstimulation of the target of the nerve ending. This results in a wide<br />

variety of symptoms, including sustained muscular contractions <strong>for</strong> certain muscle<br />

groups, depressed muscular function elsewhere, increased secretions, increased<br />

sweating, increased GI tract motility, increase urination, respiratory depression, and<br />

behavioral and neurologic effects. Organophosphate exposure can be by ingestion,<br />

inhalation, or transcutaneously (skin absorption). Cholinesterase levels/activity can<br />

be accurately measured in postmortem blood samples. Decreased levels suggest that<br />

organophosphate poisoning has occurred.<br />

Strychnine<br />

Strychnine is a very potent poison. It is produced from the plant Strychnos nuxvomica,<br />

which is native to southern Asia and Australia. Its primary use today is as<br />

a pesticide (rat poison). Occasionally, the substance is reported as a contaminant in<br />

various street drugs, such as LSD, cocaine, and heroin. Numerous routes of exposure<br />

may occur, including ingestion and inhalation. The poison is an inhibitor of a<br />

neurotransmitter within the CNS. Acute toxicity is characterized by agitation, being<br />

easily startled, restlessness, painful muscle spasms, jaw tightness, and possibly difficult<br />

breathing. The urine may become dark. High doses can lead to respiratory<br />

failure, neurologic deficits, and death.<br />

Naturally-Occurring Toxins<br />

A variety of other poisons and toxins exist and have been known to cause death.<br />

Included here are numerous naturally-occurring toxins, including several that have<br />

already been discussed above. Animal venoms represent a type of natural toxin that<br />

can cause death. Deaths may be due to the direct toxic effects of these substances,<br />

an infection that develops as a result of the corresponding tissue destruction, or as<br />

a result of an allergic reaction to the toxin/venom. Animals that produce potentially<br />

lethal venoms include certain arthropods (bees, spiders, fire ants, scorpions,

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