However, nerve agents are far more potent; the LD 50 (the amount required to cause death in half of people receiving that dose) of VX is approximately 3 mg. Pathophysiology of Nerve Chemical-Warfare Injuries Nerve agents inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) once ACh has finished activating receptors in neurons, muscles, and glands.