Archives internationales de pharmacodynamie et de thérapie
-
The antagonism of depolarizing blockers, principally succinylcholine and decamethonium, by tetraethyl- and tetrabutylammonium ions in an in vivo neuromuscular preparation in anesthetized cats is described; possible mechanisms for these effects are discussed. Tetraethyl- (50-100 mg/kg, i.v.) and tetrabutylammonium (1-5 mg/kg, i.v.) produced sharp reversals of 95-99% succinylcholine and decamethonium blocks. These reversals were effective and sustained at any point during the course of the blockades. ⋯ The present studies support this in showing the prevention of succinylcholine and decamethonium block by the prior administration of tetraethylammonium, which also interacts with acetylcholine receptors. It is proposed that a possible mechanism for tetraethylammonium reversals of succinylcholine and decamethonium blocks may be attributable to the tetraethylammonium reversal of a K+ current block by quaternary ammonium ions such as succinylcholine and decamethonium. Tetraethyl- and tetrabutylammonium ions proved to be effective antagonists of succinylcholine block following inactivation of plasma cholinesterases by hexafluorenium.