P7: Drugs and Neuromuscular Transmission Flashcards
Which motor division does the NMJ belong to?
Somatic Motor Division
Describe a somatic motor neurone (4)
- Single myelinated neurone
- Originates from CNS
- Terminates at NMJ
- Branched
Where do action potentials transmitted across the neuromuscular junction pass along?
The Sacrolemma
What are T-tubules?
- Invaginations in the sarcolemma
- Perpendicular to the length of the myofibrils
What does transmission of an action potential along the t-tubule membrane cause?
- Activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum
- Ca2+ entry causes actin/myosin contraction and shortening of the myofibril
How does actin/myosin contraction affect the myofibril?
Causes it to shorten
What is the job of the T-tubules?
Permit rapid transmission of the action potential across the whole myofibre
What do spontaneous exocytosis of vesicles cause?
miniature end plate potentials (mEPP)
During Neuromuscular transmission what does a calcium influx cause?
- Release of roughly 50 synaptic vesicles
- Producing an EPP
- Which initiates an AP in the muscle fibre
What breaks down ACh?
Acetylcholinesterase
Describe the action of Hemicholinium
- Hemicholinium competes with the choline reuptake transporter
- Inhibiting ACh synthesis
Describe the action of Botulinum toxin
- Botulinum toxin prevents fusion of vesicles to the presynaptic membrane
- Inhibiting ACh release
Name 2 drugs that may be used as calcium channel blockers
- Streptomycin
- Tetracycline
Describe the action of Black Widow spider venom
α-latrotoxin
- Promotes exocytosis
- Resulting in large release and block due to depletion.
Which type of botulinum toxin are toxic to humans?
What are botulinum toxin type A and B used for medically?
- A,B,E and F
- Muscle spasms, excessive sweating, neuropathic pain, cosmetics