© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians Chapter 13 Drugs Affecting Muscle Function

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Basic Anatomy and Physiology Muscles are tissues that contract to produce movement Muscles are made up of long, slender cells called muscle fibers Muscle fibers are encased in a fibrous sheath Muscle cells are categorized into three types based on their appearance and function: –Skeletal –Smooth –Cardiac

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Basic Anatomy and Physiology Motor nerves that originate in the spinal cord and terminate in fibers connected to muscle cells activate skeletal muscle A neuromuscular junction is where a motor nerve fiber connects to muscle cells Electrical impulses from the spinal cord travel to the neuromuscular junction, causing release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) ACh binds to specialized receptor sites on the muscle opposite the nerve ending

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Basic Anatomy and Physiology Depolarization of the muscle occurs, calcium is released, and the muscle contracts ACh is inactivated by acetylcholinesterase

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Basic Anatomy and Physiology Insert Figure 13-1

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Drugs That Affect the Skeletal System Anti-inflammatories (Chapter 16) Neuromuscular blockers (drugs that produce paralysis) Skeletal muscle spasmolytics (drugs that reduce muscle spasms) Anabolic steroids (drugs whose tissue building effects can reverse muscle atrophy or wasting)

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Neuromuscular Blockers Relax the muscles of animals that are undergoing surgery; used to prevent or treat muscle spasms Work by disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses from the motor nerves to skeletal muscle fibers Most are competitive nondepolarizers (compete with ACh for the same receptor sites) Are also called curarizing agents Examples: –Pancuronium –Atracurium

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Neuromuscular Blocker Antidotes Competitive nondepolarizers require antidotes once their effects are no longer needed Examples: –Neostigmine: competes with ACh for acetylcholinesterase, allowing ACh to accumulate in the neuromuscular junction –Pyridostigmine: competes with ACh for attachment to acetylcholinesterase –Edrophonium: attaches to acetylcholinesterase, thereby hindering the breakdown of ACh

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Other Neuromuscular Blockers Other examples: –Gallamine –Vecuronium –Metocurine Antidote: –Atropine (because these drugs are cholinergic in nature)

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blockers Depolarizing neuromuscular blockers mimic the action of ACh in muscle fibers, and because they are not destroyed by acetylcholinesterase, their action is prolonged Example: –Succinylcholine: binds to the cholinergic receptors No antidote needed; wears off by itself

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Spasmolytics Break down the muscle spasticity Used to treat acute episodes of muscle spasticity associated with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders (malignant hyperthermia, equine postanesthetic myositis, and traumatic injury) Examples: –Methocarbamol: used as an adjunctive therapy for inflammatory and traumatic conditions of skeletal muscle –Guaifenesin: used as an adjunct to anesthesia because it relaxes both laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles, thereby making intubation easier –Diazepam: used for muscle relaxation –Dantrolene: used to prevent and treat malignant hyperthermia

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Anabolic Steroids Have tissue-building effect (they increase muscle mass) Used to promote growth, counteract postsurgical debility, and treat diseases such as muscular atrophy and orthopedic conditions Examples: –Nandrolone (stimulates erythropoiesis and appetite) –Stanozolol (improves appetite and weight gain) –Boldenone (improves appetite and musculature)

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Anabolic Steroids To obtain optimal results when giving anabolic steroids, adequate and well- balanced dietary intake is essential Can cause electrolyte imbalance, liver toxicity, behavioral changes, and reproductive abnormalities