Neuromuscular Junctions Flashcards
1
Q
What is myasthenia gravis? How can you treat it?
A
. Autoimmune neuromuscular disease that results in muscle weakness (e.g. ptosis, droopy eyelids)
. Auto-antibodies produced against nicotinic AChRs
. Treat by increasing NMJ concentration of ACh or inhibiting AChE
2
Q
Acetylcholine nicotinic receptors are ionotropic. What does this mean?
A
They are ionic channel complexes. When ACh binds, induces conformational change and channel opens so sodium ions can diffuse into the neurone and depolarise it.
3
Q
What is the ratio of skeletal muscle cell: NMJ?
A
One skeletal muscle cell has one neuromuscular junction
