Question

Neostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Administration of this drug would increase the amount of acetylcholine (ACh) present in the synapse and its ability to sufficiently depolarize the postsynaptic membrane and trigger an action potential. Which of the following options is NOT correct?

1) Neostigmine increases the amount of acetylcholine in the synapse
2) Botulinum toxin antiserum is effective against botulinum toxicity
3)urare blocks the nicotinic ACh receptor and causes muscle weakness
4) Atropine is a muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist
5) Halothane has no effect on the neuromuscular junction

Answer 1

Neostigmine, curare, and atropine all interact with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at different points in muscle contraction, and all except halothane have specific effects on the neuromuscular junction or related systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases the amount of acetylcholine in the synapse by preventing the breakdown of this neurotransmitter, leading to prolonged muscle contraction.Botulinum toxin (Botox) inhibits the release of acetylcholine from motor neurons, causing flaccid paralysis, while curare blocks the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscle weakness. Atropine is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist that blocks muscarinic effects of acetylcholine and is used to treat nerve agent poisoning. Halothane, an anesthetic, can affect neuromuscular transmission and potentiate neuromuscular blockers; therefore, statement 5 that Halothane has no effect on the neuromuscular junction is NOT correct, which answers the student's question.