Final answer:
The two types of non-depolarizing NMBAs are Benzylisoquinolinium and Aminosteroidal, both of which have ester or amide linkages affecting their hydrolysis, potency, and toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two chemical structure categories of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are Benzylisoquinolinium and Aminosteroidal. These structures feature both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, which are typically connected by either an ester or amide linkage. The choice of linkage affects the drug's metabolic degradation and inactivation. For instance, an ester bond is more readily hydrolyzed in the body, influencing both potency and toxicity. The neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction, which these drugs affect, is acetylcholine.
Compounds like these that possess both polar and nonpolar groups are described as amphipathic. In the context of molecular structure, amines incorporate a nitrogen atom within a hydrocarbon framework, whereas amides feature a nitrogen atom attached to a carbonyl group. This distinction is important for understanding the different classes of NMBAs and their effects.