[Restoration of neuromuscular transmission in the rat diaphragm after the action of an organophosphorus inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase by using curare]

Abstract

The acetylcholinesterase phospho-organic inhibitor armine (4.10(-7) M) reduces the muscle response to a single nerve stimulus (up to 50%) and the nerve-induced tetanic tension in the rat phrenic-diaphragm muscle preparation. Tubocurarine exerts a similar effect. Substitution of armine by 0.5.10(-7) or 1.10(-7) M tubocurarine for 60-90 min leads to almost complete restoration of neuromuscular transmission. In the presence of armine, tubocurarine exerts a considerably lesser effect. Possible pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms of the tubocurarine action, are discussed.