Suggested Level of Knowlege: Detailed

LOs

BT_GS 1.35 Describe the physiology of the neuromuscular junction and the mechanism of action of neuromuscular blocking agents

Past SAQs

2011.1 How  may  drugs  potentiate  the  action  of  non-depolarizing  muscle  relaxants  at  the neuromuscular junction?

2010.1 Briefly describe the pharmacological role of the nicotinic cholinergic receptor.

2009.2 Describe the factors that may decrease the clinical response to nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking agents.

2007.2 Describe how suxamethonium produces neuromuscular blockade. What is the mechanism of recovery of neuromuscular function and what mechanisms may be involved in Phase II block?

2005.1 Outline the mechanisms of action of drugs that inhibit cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction giving examples.

2002.2 Outline the possible reasons for prolongation of paralysis induced by an intravenous dose of 1 mg.kg-1 of suxamethonium. Briefly indicate the consequences of such a prolonged block.

2001.1 Give examples of drugs that enhance the action of the non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents at the neuromuscular junction. Briefly describe the mechanism of these interactions.

Physiology of Neuromuscular Junction