Abstract

Neuromuscular blocking agents predominantly block muscle type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as opposed to the neuronal type. However, there is growing evidence that neuromuscular blocking agents have affinity to some neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The carotid body chemoreceptor as the essential oxygen-sensing cell, relies on cholinergic signalling. Atracurium and vecuronium impair carotid body chemoreceptor activity during hypoxia. Here, we characterize atracurium and vecuronium as antagonists at nicotinic receptors of the carotid body chemoreceptor. Isolated rabbit carotid body preparations with carotid sinus nerve were used, and chemoreceptor activities were recorded. There was a concentration-dependent reduction in the chemoreceptor responses to nicotine, with an IC 50 to 50 μg nicotine of 3.64 and 1.64 μM and to 500 μg nicotine of 27.00 μM and 7.29 μM for atracurium and vecuronium, respectively. It is concluded that atracurium and vecuronium depress nicotine-induced chemoreceptor responses of the carotid body in a dose-dependent fashion.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.