This paper proposes the main aspects of the pathogenesis of acute poisoning with organophosphorus inhibitors of cholinesterases and describes non-specific effects of these toxic substantes such as the activation of multiple non-Cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system, the alteration of energetic metabolism, stressogenic effects, mutagenic effects, immune effects, the alteration of water and mineral metabolism, hepatotoxic effects, membrane effects as well as haematological effects. One of the most important non-specific effects produced by organophosphorus agents is the activation of multiple noncholinergic neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system that can lead to the neuronal damage following the exposure to organophosphates.

Keywords: Organophosphates; Cholinergic effects; Non-specific effects; Neuronal damage; Antidotes; Anticonvulsive drugs