The nature of the reaction of organophosphorus compounds and carbamates with esterases

This paper outlines our knowledge of the reaction of organophosphorus compounds and carbamates with esterases, examples of particular aspects of the reaction being confined to cholinesterases, although the general principles discussed apply to all B-esterases. Mathematical expressions are given for the different rate constants, and some of the factors that may affect the response of insect and mammalian cholinesterases to organophosphorus compounds and carbamates are discussed.