PHARM 10: Neuromuscular blocking drugs Flashcards
Describe the process of neuromuscular transmission
starting from AP input.
AP arrives –> memb gets depolarized –> VGCC opens
–> Ca2+ influx occurs –> causes exocytosis of vesicles
What is the target for Ach at the neuromuscular junctions?
targets: nicotinic Ach receptors on the end plate
What does it mean by a graded potential?
- depends on how much Ach is released + how many receptors are stimulated
Describe the process of neuromuscular transmission
starting from stimulation of nicotinic receptors
to the breakdown of Ach
- nicotinic receptors are stimulated
- -> resulting in a change in conformation + influx of Na+ ions
- -> this causes memb depolarization aka End Plate Potential
- -> when End plate potential reaches threshold, it generates AP that propagates in both directions from the end plate
- -> Acetylcholinesterase is found bound to the basement memb of the synaptic cleft
- -> and it breaks down Ach to Acetate + choline
What are the 3 main neuromuscular blockers?
- Tubocurarine
- Atracurium
- Suxamethonium
What are the 2 main subtypes of nicotinic receptors?
- Ganglionic
- Muscle
What does Diazepam do?
- it is a widely used spasmolytic
- and facilitates GABA transmission
What is Baclofen?
-Baclofen = GABA receptor agonist
What does both diazepam + baclofen do?
- both drugs potentiates the action of GABA
Why are neurotoxins toxic?
- they are toxic because they inhibit the release of Ach
- and blocks the contraction of respiratory skeletal muscle –> causing death
Note: same with botulinum toxin
Neuromuscular blocking drug suzamethonium acts on which mechanism?
- acts on depolarization of the motor end plate
What does Dantrolene do?
- it is a spasmolytic
- which inhibits Ca2+ release in the muscle fibre
Which neuromuscular blockers are non depolarizing + which os depolarizing?
Non depolarizing:
- tubocurarine
- atracurium
Depolarising:
- suxamethonium
Where do neuromuscular blockers act on?
- they act on post synaptic nicotinic receptors on the motor end plate
non depolarizing neuromuscular blockers are what type of ANTAGONISTS?
NON DEPOLARISING = competitive nicotinic receptor antagonists
depolarizing neuromuscular blockers are what type of AGONISTS?
DEPOLARISING = nicotinic receptor agonists
Note: when giving these drugs you need to always assist respiration because –> it has effect on respiratory muscles
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