Abstract
Curare is a plant extract obtained from Strychnos toxifera, Chondrodendron tomentosum, and related species indigenous to South America. The principal active constituent is (+)-tubocurarine (d-Tubocurarine). When parentally administered, d-Tubocurarine is a potent reversible competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the motor end plate of the neuromuscular junction, causing rapid flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscle. Reversal of paralysis may be hastened via the administration of cholinesterase inhibitors, prolonging the availability of naturally produced acetylcholine.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Toxicology |
Pages | 353-357 |
Number of pages | 0 |
Volume | 3 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128243152 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine
Keywords
- Acetylcholine
- Arrow poison
- Benzylisoquinoline
- Curare alkaloid
- Isoquinoline
- Neuromuscular blocker
- Neurotoxicity
- Neurotoxin
- Nicotinic antagonist
- Non-depolarizing agent
- Quaternary ammonium compound