NMBA Flashcards
Clinical Use of NMBAs
- Eliminate laryngeal spasm, RSI, rapid control of airway
- Central, immobile eye position for ophthalmic sx
- Sx access; prevention of spontaneous movement for neurologic, cardiothoracic, ophthalmic sx
- Decreased resistance to controlled ventilation
- Reduction of SkM tone
NMJ
AKA motor end plate
= communication btw nervous system, m – NMBA interfere/block connection
Prejunctional motor nerve ending, postjunctional membrane of skeletal m
Main NT?
Acetylcholine
What is the ACh R?
Nicotonic ACh R - LG Na channels
Motor Unit
Uninterrupted large myelinated N from SC to NMJ/target m divides into many branches to contact many m fibers
Synpatic Cleft
Separates nerve from m
ACh in Presynaptic Nerve
o ACh synthesized in nerve terminal, stored in vesicles (quanta)
o Readily available ACh: at edge of presynaptic cell, available for exocytosis/release
o Reserve ACh: deeper in pre-synaptic cell, supply of ACh
Structure of the Postsynaptic M Cell
o Surface folded, secondary clefts within primary ones –> large surface area
o Shoulders = nAChRs (~5M/junction)
Safety feature, have far more than need
VG Na channels in clefts
o Proximity btw VG Na channels, LG Na channels helps to propagate AP
Change in endplate potential –> AP –> stimulation of m cell –> m ctx
Perijunctional Zone
o Immediately below NMJ, crucial for functioning
o Mixture of receptors –> enhances capacity of Na channels to propagate wave of depolarization created by nAChRs
NM Transmission
o Nerve synthesizes ACh – stored in small vesicles
o Arrival of AP through nerve activates VG Ca channels via AC, production of cAMP
o Increased intracellular Ca –> migration, discharge of vesicles
o Two molecules of ACh bind nAChR 2 molecules ACh required to activate R
o LG Na channels open, trigger opening of VG Na channels AP on m – all or none
o Depolarization of m cell (=ctx) occurs after Ca from t-tubules
o ACh immediately detaches, destroyed by AChEs
o Note: activation of process to initiate m ctx vs process of m ctx itself
High Margin of Safety
o Amt of quanta released = small fraction of that available
o Safety margin/factor = excess in amplitude of EEP over firing threshold
o AP endplate threshold depends on density, state of excitability of Na channels
o Key: release more ACh than need, have more nAChR than need
Amplitude of end-plate potential (EEP)
depends on # of quanta released, # of nAChRs
Excess of ACh released, nAChRs present several folds above what’s necessary
Sensitivity of postsynaptic membrane to ACh dependent on density of AChR, AChR conductance
Redundant: if function decreased, maintain NM transmission
Acetylcholinerase
very efficient, much of ACh hydrolyzed before reaches post-synaptic cell (~50%)
o Secreted by m cell
o High concentrations in cleft
nAChRs
o Synthesized in muscle cells, anchored to motor end plate membrane by rapsyn protein
o Electron microscopy: central pit (ion channel) surrounded by raised area (binding site)
o 5 subunits, passes through muscle membrane – protrudes in/out
Receptor Density in Junctional Folds
Receptor density in junctional folds: 10-20,000/microm2
Interaction btw ACh and nAChR
o ACh interacts with two a1 subunits – NEEDS TO INTERACT WITH BOTH
Protein rotates conformation –> ion channel opens –> ion flow
Small cations only: Na in, K/Ca out
Binding of ligand to R = competitive process, antagonists have advantage bc only need to occupy 1 R
What are the three types of ACh R?
- presynaptic
- Postsynaptic adult
- Postsynaptic fetal
Presynaptic nAChR
a3b2 subunits
- Mediates negative/positive FB loops – neg fb to block ACh release, pos fb to prepare nerve cell to release more ACh for next m ctx
- Development of fade when blocked by non-depolarizing
- Not inhibited by sux –> no fade during phase 1 block
- M1/M2 R (GPCR) also modulate pos/neg fb of ACh release from prejunctional cell via modulation Ca influx
Fetal nAChR
Sometimes called extrajunctional, located all over muscle cell surface
During first few weeks of life, gamma subunit replaced by episilon
See in disuse injury, trauma, burns, nerve injury, muscle atrophy
Humans: usually decreased within 48hr, can appreciate for up to 2yr
Different affinity for ACh, different opening times
Consequence of More fetal nAChR
decreased sensitivity to non-depolarizing/competitive but increased sensitivity to depol/non-compet (sux)
* ACh channels stay open longer –> more K+ efflux –> extreme hyper K+
* Low conductance channel
Causes of Increased Fetal nAChR?
-Spinal cord injury
-Stroke
-Burns
-Prolonged immobility
-MS
-Prolonged exposure to NMBAs
Causes of Downregulated nAChR?
-MG
-AChE Poisoning
-OP Poisining
Two Structures of Fetal nAChR?
fetal R a1a1b1delta-gamma and a7
Consequence of increased fetal nAChR?
Increased sensitivity to sux, increased risk hyperkalemia
Decreased sensitivity to non-depor NMBA
Adult nAChR
(a1a1b1delta-episilon): mainly responsible for NMB effects – twitch depression
How weaker/slower muscular twitch becomes
High affinity binding site btw alpha and episilon, low affinity btw alpha + beta
High conductance channel
Two Main Hypotheses Assoc with NMBA
- Desensitized State Hypothesis
- Channel Blockade Hypothesis
Desensitized State Hypothesis
o Disruption of NM transmission by NMBA
o R bind ACh to alpha subunits but conformational changes, channel opening does not occur
R said to be “desensitized”
o Agonists, antag, inhalants appear able to switch to desensitized state
Explains synergistic actions btw inhalants + NMBAs
o Sux, thiopental, Ca channel blockers, LAs, phenothiazines, cyclohexamines, some ABX
Channel Blockade Hypothesis
o Cholinergic R binds agonist to each of alpha subunits –> ion channel opens –> molecule becomes stuck within channel
o Mouth of ion channel much wider than TM-spanning region, permits entrance of ions but not crossing
Entrapped molecules act like plugs
Interfere with normal passage of ions IRT binding of ACh
o Blocks normal NM transmission by interfering with depolarization process IRT binding of agonist
Why is the channel blockade hypothesis important?
paralysis not antagonized by admin of AChE-I
AChE-I may increase intensity blockade –> opening of more ion channels IRT greater concentration of ACh may provide increase opportunity for offending molecules to become trapped within channel
o Caused by many drugs, including NMBA
Partial explanation: admin of AChE-I to antagonize profound NMB may intensify paralysis
CV Effects of NMBAS
o Similarly in structure btw ACh, NMBA – positively charged nitrogen atom
o Stimulation, blocking of cardiac muscarinic R or of sympathetic ganglia = increase/decrease in HR, development of cardiac dysrhythmias
Effect of rapid IV injection of d-Tubocurarine
blocked action of ACh at sympathetic ganglia –> decrease in sympathetic tone, hypotension
Effect of rapid IV inj pancuronium:
increase HR DT blockade of cardiac muscarinic R –> decrease PNS activity, +/- release of NE from sympathetic nerves
Effect = inconsistent btw species: dogs, pigs, ponies yes; horses, calves no
Histamine Release
o DT quaternary ammonium structure, cross-bridging with IgE in mast cells
See quaternary ammonium in foods, household chemical products
o Leading cause of hypersensitivity rxn in ax in people
o Vasodilation, decrease BP, +/- increase HR
o Benzylisoquinolines > steroids with low potency
Biggest offender = d-Tubocurarine
Atra, but at 2.5x ED50 to cause clinically significant histamine release
o Pretreat with H1/H2 R antagonists, slow IV inj, no more than recommended doses
CNS Effects
o Large, polar, hydrophilic molecules – do not readily cross cell membranes BUT most gain access to CSF, may be assoc with resultant CNS effects
o No effect on MAC of halothane reduction in people (panc, atra, vec)
o Accidental admin in CSF: myotonia, autonomic effects, sz
What metabolite of NMBA does have CNS effects?
Laudanosine easily crosses BBB in dogs, does not reach clinically applicable doses to cause CNS stimulation with clinically used doses of atracurium
What effect does NMBA have on the urethra?
- Unblocking in male cats: urethra contains skeletal muscle, two papers
o Galluzzi et al JSAP 2012 – Effects of intraurethral administration of atracurium in male cats with urethral plugs
NMBA Protein Binding
o ~50%, All = protein bound, unclear clinical significance
o Only unbound fraction available to interact with AChR
o Potentially decreased renal elimination, bc only free/unbound drug filtered at glomerulus
o Amt of NMBA protein-bound in hypoproteinemic patients seems unchanged (human studies)
General MOA of NMBA
o Occupation of only one ACh site required for blockade
o Pre-synaptic R responsible for fade –> only sensitive to non-depolarizing
Binding of non-depolarizing NMBA to pre-synaptic R blocks the feedback loops so that no mobilization of stored/reserve ACh to periphery
When keep stimulating nerve, runs out of ACh – hence fade on TOF
What is true about NMBA use in birds?
WILL CAUSE MYDRIASIS IN BIRDS DT SKELETAL M IN PUPIL
Important Clinical Features of NMBA
o Muscles of respiration = paralyzed must control ventilation
Diaphragm less sensitive to NMBA than limbs
Lower density of ACh R in slow muscle fibers in peripheral m vs faster m fibers in laryngeal muscles, etc
Horses: dose required to abolish hoof twitch, facial twitch remains at decreased strength
o Upper airway m very sensitive to NMB
Humans: if not reversed, 2x as likely to develop pneumonia
Onset/Offset of NMBAs
related to blood flow, rate of drug delivery to tissues
Greater blood flow per g of m: higher peak plasma concentration of drug, rapid redistribution
General Features of NMBAs
No sedative, analgesia, or anesthetic properties
Assessment of Ax Depth with NMBAs
Assessment of ax depth = more challenging; palpebral reflex, jaw tone, spontaneous movement to assess depth not usable
Speed of Onset of NMBA
Inversely proportional to potency
Charge of NMBAs
PK markedly different from other agents (propofol, etc): rapid onset, rapid termination DT rapid metabolism, redistribution to skeletal m/adipose tissue
Hepatic metabolism, redistribution to sites other than skeletal m not major mechanisms of action termination
Do NMBAs cross blood brain barrier or blood placental barrier?
NO!
* Also DT quaternary ammonium moieties
* No effects on neonates when used in C sections
Other differences with NMBAs vs most other anesthetic agents?
o Limited Vd, esp compared to most other ax agents – poor lipid solubility
o Easily excreted by glomerular filtration into urine DT water solubility, generally not reabsorbed by renal tubules
o Neonates: require higher doses —> higher percentage body water, higher vol for water-soluble drugs to distribute into
Two Main Types of NMBA
- Competitive/Non-depolarizing
- Non-competitive/Depolarizing
Two Subcategories of the Non-Depolarizing NMBAs
Aminosteroids
* Vecuronium, pancuronium, rocuronium, pipercuronium
Benzylisoquinolinium
* Atracurium, cis-atracurium, mivacurium, doxacurium
MOA: bind to a subunit
Succinylcholine
o 2 ACh molecules
Binds to ACh R –> opens channel, prolonged depolarization of EP = m fasciculations
o Biphasic action: first produces stimulation (m fasciculations), drug stays bound to R, then block
R unavailable vs refractory period
SE of Succinylcholine
Causes changes in HR, BP
All else normal: increase K by 0.5mEq/dL
Movement of Na into cells, K out of cells
BAD if metabolic acidosis, hypovolemic – source of K = GI
Use of Sux
o Rapid-sequence induction (RSI) in people bc fastest acting, not short acting in some species
Horses, cats, humans: PChE high, sux broken down quickly
Dogs: PChE activity mediocre, sux broken down more slowly
Sux Metabolism
Broken down by pseudocholinesterases/plasma cholinesterase
Hydrolysis rapid: only 10% of original injected dose survives degradation in plasma to reach site of action
Termination/Accumulation of Sux
Termination of sux depends on diffusion of drug away from NMJ, into ECF
* DOA depends on plasma clearance
Minimal accumulation following large or repeated doses
* Metabolite succinylmonocholine much weaker, slower metabolism
PChE
Synthesized in liver
Very little PChE present in synaptic cleft
Drugs that Will Prolong Succinylcholine Activity
Inhibit PChE
esmolol, MAOi, chemotherapeutic agents/cytotoxic drugs, metoclopramide, OP insecticides in horses, bambuterol (prodrug of terbutaline)
* Also liver dz, chronic anemia, malnutrition, burns, pregnancy, old age
* NOT clinically significant: large decreases in PChE activity –> modest increases sux DOA
Do you see fade with Sux?
Pre-synaptic ACh R not sensitive to succinylcholine – DO NOT SEE FADE!
Phase I Block
end plate depolarization initially stimulates m ctx but sux not degraded by AChE –> remains in NMJ to cause continuous end plate depol/m relax
Phase II Block
IV infusion, large dose, repeated doses
* Continuous activation of AChR: ongoing shifts in Na into cell, K out
* Post-junctional membrane potential eventually moves in direction of normal even in presence of sux DT Na-K ATPase pump (K in, Na out)
* R does not respond appropriately to ACh, NMB prolonged
Dibucaine Test
- Test for PCheE function in humans
-If normal PChE, admin of dibucaine (LA) will interfere with function of normal PChE, abN PChE less inhibited
Single aa substitution/sequencing error at or near active site of enzyme
Normal Genotype for PChE:
70-80% PChE inhibition
Heterozygous for PChE:
50-60% inhibition, 1-2x prolongation of succ
Homozygous for PChE:
- Homozygous: 20-30% PChE inhibition, up to 8hr prolongation of sux
Dibucaine #
% Inhibited
Atypical Cholinesterase
won’t break down sux, require plasma transfusion
Cardiac Effects of Sux
mimics effect of ACh at cardiac muscarinic R sinus bradycardia, junctional rhythms, sinus arrest
Decreases threshold of ventricle to catecholamine-induced dysrhythmias in monkeys, dogs
Effects of Other Autonomic Stimuli on Sux
ET intubation, hypoxia, hypercarbia, sx – additive effects
Effects of Sux on other NMBA
increase duration of atra, roc if given first but not panc
o Admin of AChE-I following sux will PROLONG DURATION
Non-NM Effects of Sux
- Hyperkalemia
- Increased IOP
- Increased intragastric pressure
- Increased ICP
- Increased m pains
MOA Hyperkalemia with Sux
- Binds to nAChR, not degraded by AChE vs ACh –> persistent state of depolarization + open ion channels
o K: muscle fibers –> extracellular space - Transient increase in K concentrations following sux dose (0.5mEq/mL)
- Increased density fetal nAChR following nerve injury, etc: increase intracellular K released
o Risk: 48hr post injury, persists 2-3mo up to 2yr
MOA Increased IOP with Sux
- Transient, peaks 2-4’, remains increased for 6’
- MOA unknown – dilation of choroidal BV, ctx tonic myofibrils
- Avoid in veterinary patients with penetrating eye injuries
MOA Increased Intragastric Pressure
- Abdominal skeletal m fasciculations from initial depolarization of motor end plate abdominal compression, increased intragastric pressure
- +/- worsen incidence of regurg, may worsen outcome in GDV
- Variable, patient dependent