BIOL 319 Lecture: NMJ Physiology/Pharmacology

What is myasthenia gravis?

immune diseases that targets the Ach ion channels in the motor endplate

What is the immune system supposed to attack?

cancer

viruses

What do antibodies do in myasthenia gravis?

start binding to the Ach gated ion channels blocking Ach from binding

What are some symptoms of myasthenia gravis? 

progressive muscle weakness

What can an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor do in myasthenia gravis?

increase Ach: more bullets to overwhelm the target

Who can get spastic paralysis?

people with strokes

What is a stroke?

disabling condition: neurons start dying

What are 2 ways that one can get a stroke?

blockage of the artery

blood vessels ruptures and bursts

In spastic paralysis, which neurons died?

motor neurons that control the spinal cord: leads to uncontrolled firing

What is a symptom of spastic paralysis?

spastic uncontrolled movement of the arm

What is a treatment of spastic paralysis?

botulinum: found in people eating canned veggies

What does botulinum do?

blocks exocytosis of Ach from presynaptic terminal