Sarin has a high volatility (ease with which a liquid can turn into vapour) relative to similar nerve agents, making inhalation very easy, and may even absorb through the skin. Death may follow in one to ten minutes after direct inhalation. Moreover, common mnemonics for the symptomatology of organophosphate poisoning, including sarin, are the "killer Bs" of bronchorrhea and bronchospasm because they are the leading cause of death, and SLUDGE – salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal distress, and emesis (vomiting). Ultimately, the person becomes comatose and suffocates in a series of convulsive spasms. This phase is followed by twitching and jerking. As they continue to lose control of bodily functions, they may vomit, defecate, and urinate. Soon after, the person will have difficulty breathing and they will experience nausea and drooling. Initial symptoms following exposure to sarin are a runny nose, tightness in the chest, and constriction of the pupils. Death will usually occur as a result of asphyxia due to the inability to control the muscles involved in breathing. Like some other nerve agents that affect the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, sarin attacks the nervous system by interfering with the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions. Sarin (red), acetylcholinesterase (yellow), acetylcholine (blue)
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