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Neuromuscular blocking action of an alkylating local anaesthetic: site of action and effects of temperature and calcium ions

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Abstract

THE mechanism by which local anaesthetics block neuromuscular transmission has been under investigation for many years. Most of the evidence suggests that these drugs act primarily on nerve terminals either to inhibit acetylcholine (ACh) release1–3 or exert some other effects4. However, other workers have shown inhibition of ACh receptor5,6 or direct depression of muscle excitability7–10. Inhibition of nerve conduction apparently has been ruled out as contributing to the blockade in rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm3 or cat soleus nerve-muscle preparations4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Neurochemistry and Drug Addiction, Wards Island, New York, New York, 10035

    S. EHRENPREIS & G. M. ROSEN

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  1. S. EHRENPREIS
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  2. G. M. ROSEN
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EHRENPREIS, S., ROSEN, G. Neuromuscular blocking action of an alkylating local anaesthetic: site of action and effects of temperature and calcium ions. Nature 250, 576–578 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/250576a0

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