Antagonism of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockade by aminopyridines in cats.

The antagonism of pipecuronium- and vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade by 4-aminopyridine (4AP), 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4AP) and 3-[(dimethylamino)-carbonyl] amino-4-aminopyridine (LF14) were studied in anaesthetized cats during constant infusion of the relaxants. Aminopyridines were administered cumulatively at steady state 90% block level. The ED50 values of 4AP, 3,4AP and LF14 were 243, 106 and 254 micrograms kg-1 in pipecuronium, and 232, 195 and 235 micrograms kg-1 in vecuronium blockade. It has been assumed that in cats the anticurare effect of aminopyridines is mainly a result of K+ channel blockade on motor nerve terminals which enhances the evoked release of acetylcholine.