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Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

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Nicotinic<br />

Nicotinic receptors are the type of acetylcholine (Ach) receptors that are found at the neuromuscular<br />

junction. When bound by Ach, the nicotinic receptors act to initiate a muscle contraction.<br />

Non depolarizing muscle relaxants act as competitive inhibitors at the nicotinic Ach<br />

receptors.<br />

<strong>The</strong> other type of Ach receptor are the muscarinic receptors which are found in the parasympathetic<br />

nervous system.<br />

Both types of receptors are activated by acetylcholine.<br />

Anticholinesterases used to increase the effects of Ach at the nicotinic receptors of the neuromuscular<br />

junction also increase the Ach effect at muscarinic receptors. For this reason, the<br />

anticholinesterases are always administered with an anticholinergic drug such as glycopyrrolate.<br />

Related Glossary Terms<br />

Acetylcholine, Anticholinergic, Anticholinesterase, Cholinesterase, Competitive inhibitor,<br />

Muscarinic, Neuromuscular junction, Non-depolarizing muscle relaxants<br />

Index<br />

Find Term<br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong>

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