Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation in Mice via Direct Laryngoscopy Using an Otoscope
06:58

Endotracheal Intubation in Mice via Direct Laryngoscopy Using an Otoscope

Published on: April 5, 2014

Pancuronium bromide does not lower airway pressures during intermittent positive pressure ventilation in young cats

T Norsted1, A Jonzon, G Sedin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.

Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

High airway pressure during neonatal ventilation may cause lung injury. Neuromuscular blockade can prevent spontaneous breathing, but its effect on inspiratory activity varies with ventilation frequency and requires specific blood gas levels.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal respiratory physiology
  • Pulmonary medicine
  • Critical care medicine

Background:

  • High intrapulmonary pressure during neonatal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) is linked to extra-alveolar air leaks and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  • Spontaneous breathing, potentially asynchronous with mechanical ventilation, can exacerbate lung injury.
  • Neuromuscular blockade is used to prevent spontaneous breathing during IPPV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of pancuronium bromide on central inspiratory activity during IPPV in cats.
  • To determine the relationship between ventilatory frequency, intratracheal pressure, and inspiratory activity inhibition.
  • To compare the effects of neuromuscular blockade on inspiratory activity at different ventilatory frequencies.

Main Methods:

  • Intravenous administration of pancuronium bromide in feline models.
  • Monitoring of central inspiratory activity (phrenic nerve activity) during IPPV.
  • Analysis of arterial blood gases and pH at varying ventilatory frequencies (15 bpm and higher).
  • Measurement of peak intratracheal pressures required for inspiratory activity inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Intravenous pancuronium bromide stimulated central inspiratory activity in cats.
  • During IPPV without neuromuscular blockade, inspiratory activity was inhibited at all tested frequencies.
  • Inhibition of inspiratory activity occurred at similar blood gas levels across frequencies without blockade.
  • Higher peak intratracheal pressures were needed to inhibit inspiratory activity at low ventilatory frequencies compared to high frequencies, both before and after blockade.

Conclusions:

  • Neuromuscular blockade with pancuronium bromide has a complex effect on central inspiratory activity, potentially stimulating it initially.
  • Ventilatory frequency significantly influences the peak intratracheal pressure required to inhibit spontaneous inspiratory activity during IPPV.
  • Understanding these pressure-frequency dynamics is crucial for optimizing ventilator settings and minimizing lung injury in neonates.

More Related Videos

An Improved Method for Rapid Intubation of the Trachea in Mice08:46

An Improved Method for Rapid Intubation of the Trachea in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2016

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System07:28

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System

Published on: April 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Mechanism of Action01:17

Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Mechanism of Action

Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers induce paralysis by competitively blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the muscle end plate. Examples include pancuronium, mivacurium, vecuronium, and rocuronium. These quaternary ammonium derivatives are administered intravenously, are poorly absorbed, and are excreted via the kidneys.
Competitive antagonists prevent acetylcholine from binding to its receptor, inhibiting membrane depolarization. Without conformational changes or intrinsic...
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics01:19

Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics

Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
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...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings01:29

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)