What type of agents specifically target the central nervous system?

Nerve agents are a class of chemical warfare agents designed to disrupt the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). They achieve this by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synapses. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to overstimulation of nerve receptors. This overstimulation can result in a variety of symptoms ranging from muscle twitching and paralysis to respiratory failure and death.

This mechanism of action is specific to nerve agents, which is why they uniquely target the CNS, making them some of the most lethal chemical weapons. Other types of agents, such as choking agents, blood agents, and irritants, affect different systems in the body. Choking agents primarily affect the respiratory system, blood agents impact the circulatory system by inhibiting oxygen transport, and irritants primarily cause irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract. Thus, the targeting of the CNS is distinct and critical to understanding the effects and risks posed by nerve agents.