(5 Jul 2018) LEADIN:
A second case of nerve agent poisoning in England has caused public concern - two people were exposed the nerve agent, Novichok in a town near where a former Russian spy and his daughter were poisoned.
Chemical experts say Novichok, which was also used to attack the former Russian spy and his daughter, is in a class of substances deadlier than similar chemicals like sarin or VX.
STORYLINE:
Novichok behaves slightly differently than other nerve agents, with some reports that the class of substances is deadlier than similar chemicals like sarin or VX and harder to identify.
Nerve agents are typically inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Normally nerve cells control muscle activity using neurotransmitters or chemical messengers.
When they make contact with receptors on the muscle cell, the muscle contracts.
An enzyme is then released to help disable the neurotransmitter and allow the muscle to relax.
Poisons like nerve agents hijack this process, blocking the enzyme which allows the muscle to relax.
This means muscles like the heart and others which control breathing become paralysed, leading to seizures and potentially death.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
