Pharmacology & toxicology
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Pharmacology & toxicology · Aug 2001
ReviewAspects on the pathophysiology of migraine and cluster headache.
The specific cause of migraine headache remains unknown. Current theories suggest that the initiation of a migraine attack involves a primary CNS dysfunction with subsequent activation of the trigeminovascular system. ⋯ Triptan administration, activating the 5-HT(1B/1D) receptors, caused the headache to subside and the neuropeptide release to normalise. These data suggest the involvement of sensory and parasympathetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of primary headaches.
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Four neuromuscular blocking drugs, doxacurium, mivacurium, pipecuronium, and rocuronium have been or are about to be introduced into clinical practice. The purpose of this MiniReview is to describe their pharmacology, to consider their place in clinical anaesthetic practice, and to examine whether the needs of the clinician have been met. Two of the agents (doxacurium, mivacurium) are benzylisoquinolines resembling atracurium and two (pipecuronium, rocuronium) are aminosteroids related to pancuronium and vecuronium. ⋯ The anaesthetist is now presented with an armamentarium of safe, nondepolarizing muscle relaxants with varying durations of action. However, the rapid onset and recovery associated with succinylcholine are unique and important in the urgent control of a patient's airway and respiration. The indications for succinylcholine will not disappear and the search for a non-polarizing replacement will continue.