Skip to main content
 

Unlucky Chucky and Toxins of the Neuromuscular Junction

By Andrew M. Petzold, Jennifer Wollschlager, Robert L. Dunbar

Unlucky Chucky and Toxins of the Neuromuscular Junction


 

Abstract

Signaling at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a complex process that is required for many actions that sustain life within humans. Toxins that act upon the NMJ, both natural and synthetic, act in a variety of ways to inhibit this function. This case study examines how a variety of toxins can act to disrupt the normal mechanism of function of the NMJ  by placing a protagonist (“Unlucky Chucky”) at an eco-spa in Colombia with his good friend Melody. Unfortunately, during their time at the eco-spa, things don’t always turn out well for Chucky. A variety of neuromuscular toxins are discussed including curare (d-tubocurarine), Botox (botulinum toxin A), physostigmine and sarin gas (GB). This case was designed to be used in a variety of classrooms ranging from an undergraduate introduction to biology course in a module focused on neuromuscular functioning, to an introduction to physiology course as an introduction to the NMJ; it could also potentially be used in a nursing course that is examining NMJ physiology.

   

Date Posted

07/05/2016

Overview

Objectives

  • Understand the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction.
  • Understand the mechanisms by which curare, botulinum toxin, and nerve agents work to affect the physiology of the NMJ.
  • Apply principles learned from this case to other ions and drugs that might operate at the NMJ.

Keywords

neuromuscular junction; NMJ; toxin; antagonist; acetylcholine; curare; botulinum toxin; sarin

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

Asset 2