The Sound of Evolution
Pancuronium
Mechanism of action:
Pancuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker and a steroidal quaternary ammonium compound. Pancuronium competitively binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the motor end-plate, preventing sodium influx and thereby preventing depolarization of the motor end-plate. As a result, skeletal muscle cannot contract and remains in a relaxed state.
Reference(s):
1. Dilger JP et al. (2007). Roles of amino acids and subunits in determining the inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by competitive antagonists. Anesthesiology.
2. Jonsson Fagerlund M et al. (2009). Pharmacological characteristics of the inhibition of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents at human adult muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Anesthesiology.