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Related Concept Videos

Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison01:09

Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison

Skeletal muscle relaxants can target the central nervous system [CNS] to reduce muscle tension or act directly at the neuromuscular junction to induce temporary paralysis. These two classes of muscle relaxants are called centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. They differ in their action, mechanism, administration route, and clinical uses.
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs,...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles01:29

Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles

The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:24

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Centrally acting muscle relaxants reduce muscle tone and tension by interfering with the postsynaptic reflexes in the central nervous system.
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
07:56

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Published on: January 26, 2018

Relaxin in human pregnancy.

Laura T Goldsmith1, Gerson Weiss

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, New Jersey Medical School of UMDNJ, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA. goldsmit@umdnj.edu

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|May 7, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Relaxin aids pregnancy by supporting endometrial changes crucial for implantation. However, abnormal levels of relaxin (hormone) can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes, including cervical integrity and maternal glucose metabolism.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pregnancy physiology

Background:

  • Relaxin is a hormone vital for pregnancy establishment.
  • It influences endometrial decidualization, angiogenesis, and immune cell activity.
  • The precise role of relaxin levels in pregnancy complications is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the dual role of relaxin in pregnancy.
  • To investigate the impact of both insufficient and excessive relaxin on pregnancy outcomes.
  • To explore relaxin's influence on cervical tissue and maternal glucose metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on relaxin's effects during pregnancy.
  • Analysis of data on circulating maternal relaxin concentrations.

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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
08:19

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph
09:59

Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph

Published on: August 13, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
07:56

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Published on: January 26, 2018

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
08:19

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph
09:59

Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph

Published on: August 13, 2019

  • Examination of relaxin's impact on endometrial and cervical tissues.

    • Main Results:

    • Relaxin promotes endometrial decidualization and implantation-related processes.
    • Elevated maternal relaxin (hyperrelaxinemia) is linked to premature birth, potentially via cervical connective tissue disruption.
    • Absence of relaxin during pregnancy may adversely affect glucose metabolism.

    Conclusions:

    • Relaxin plays a critical, dose-dependent role in successful pregnancy.
    • Maintaining optimal relaxin levels is essential for preventing premature birth and ensuring healthy glucose metabolism.
    • Further research is needed to fully understand relaxin's complex mechanisms in pregnancy.