Question

Myasthenia gravis is a disease resulting from an autoimmune attack on the ACh receptors of the motor end plate. Binding of antibodies to the ACh receptors results in generalized muscle weakness that progresses as more ACh receptors are destroyed. Which of the following medications would help alleviate the muscle weakness?a. A drug that binds to and inactivates acetylcholinesterase (neostigmine).b. A drug that binds to the acetylcholine receptor and prevents it from opening (curare).c. A drug that blocks the release of acetylcholine (botulinum toxin).d. A drug that prevents acetylcholine from being loaded into synaptic vesicles (vesamicol).

Answer 1

Answer:

A drug that binds to and inactivates acetylcholinesterase (Neostigmine).

Explanation:

Neostigmine is an oxy-diaphoretic inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which hydrolyzes, meaning it binds to and inactivates acetylcholinesterase, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at synapses into choline and acetic acid in the nervous system and at the neuromuscular junction to terminate cholinergic signaling.