-
neuromuscular blocking agents block
nicotinicM receptors at the neuromuscular junction.
-
The ganglionic blocking agents block
nicotinicN receptors in autonomic ganglia.
-
Neuromuscular blockers interfere with
nicotinicM receptor activation and thereby cause muscle relaxation.
-
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers act by competing with
acetylcholine (Ach) for binding to nicotinicM receptors.
-
Succinylcholine,
the only depolarizing neuromuscular blocker in use
-
Succinylcholine binds to
nicotinicM receptors,
causing the end-plate to depolarize; the drug then remains bound, which keeps the end-plate from repolarizing.
-
Neuromuscular blockers are used to produce
- muscle relaxation during surgery,
- endotracheal intubation,
- mechanical ventilation,
- electroshock therapy.
-
Paralysis is brief because succinylcholine is
rapidly degraded by pseudocholinesterase, an enzyme present in plasma.
-
Neuromuscular blockers do not reduce
consciousness or pain
-
The major adverse effect of neuromuscular blockers is
respiratory depression
-
Succinylcholine can cause
malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening condition.
|
|
