Physiology of the Skeletal Neuromuscular Junction Flashcards
What are the symptoms of neuromyotonia?
Cramps, stiffness, slow relaxation (myotonia) and muscle twitches (fasiculations)
What is the origin of neuromyotonia
autoimmune
What are the other names for NMT?
Issacs syndrome
What is the treatment of NMT
anti convulsants eg carbamazepine, phenytoin- these blocks voltage activated sodium channels
What is lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome?
Autoimmmune - charactersised by muscle weakness in the limbs
what is LEMS associated with
small cell lung cancer
What is the drug treatment of LEMS
anticholinesterases eg. pyridostigmine and potassium channel blockers eg, 3,4 - diaminopyridine
What is myasthenia gravis?
Autoimmune condition in which thesre is constant muscle weakness even on rest
What is a common presentation of myasthenia gravis
eyelid or eye muscle weakness
what auto-antibodies are produced in myasthenia gravis?
Antobodies against nicotinic ACh receptors
What drug treatment id available for MG
antocholinesterases eg edrophonium or pyridostigmine for long term
immunosuppressants eg azathioprine
What do anticholinesterases do>
Increase the conc of ACH at the synaptic cleft
What diseased is botulinum toxin related to
tetanus and diptheria
What are the clinical and cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin
Treat overactive muscles (in low doses)- DYSTONIAS
Smoothing out wrinkles!
What is the clinical use of curare-like compounds
to induced reversible muscle paralysis in certain types of surgery
