Mechanism of action Flashcards

1
Q

Why must the the LA enter in an unionised form

A
  • Local anaesthetics are weak bases, around 5-20% with be unionised
  • LA receptor is not on the external side of the cell
  • LA must enter in an unionised form so once it has diffused in, then an ionised form can bind to the Na+ channel
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2
Q

What is the pKa

A
  • The pH at which concentrations of ionised and unionised forms of the LA are equal
  • When the pH is lower than the pKa, the ionised form of the LA predominates
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3
Q

Where is the binding site located

A

At the cytoplasmic portion of the sodium channel

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4
Q

What are the major determinants for the diffusion of LA into nerve fibres

A
  • Site of administration
  • Type of drug
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5
Q

Why must a high concentration of LA be given

A

Only a small fraction of LA molecules reach the target site

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6
Q

When do channels have less affinity for LA?
When is the exception?

A

In their resting state, as opposed to activated and inactivated channels
Benzocaine is the exception, which blocks the resting channel

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7
Q

What increases the blocking effect

A

Increasing the neuron firing frequency

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8
Q

What does the degree of block produced at a given concentration of LA depend on

A

Depends on the recent frequency of neuron firing

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9
Q

What is a tonic blockade

A

When there are long intervals between impulses, the level of inhibition of each impulse is the same

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10
Q

What is a phasic blockade

A

When intervals between impulses is short, the level of inhibition increases with each impulse

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11
Q

When increases as the concentration of LA applied to the nerve fibre increases

A

Threshold for excitation:
- Impulse conduction slows
- The rate of the rise of the action potential declines
- The action potential amplitude decreases
- The ability to generate an AP is abolished

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12
Q

What happens if the sodium current is blocked over a critical length of the nerve

A

Propagation of AP across the blocked area is no longer possible

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