Rompun: Assistance and action right at the important spot.
Rompun and the mechanism of action: Regulation of consciousness and the perception of pain.
The autoregulatory mechanism at the nerval synapse for controlling the release of noradrenaline (a mediator of the ‘excitable’ sympathetic nervous system) has been known for several years.
When the amount of noradrenaline in the synaptic cleft exceeds a certain threshold, the presynaptic alpha-2-receptors are stimulated, which prevents any further release of noradrenaline. This mechanism is known as negative feedback.
Rompun is an agonist* of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptors (or alpha-2-adrenoceptors). It acts on presynaptic and postsynaptic receptors of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
By binding to central presynaptic alpha-2-receptors, Rompun inhibits the release of noradrenaline.
The importance of central noradrenergic neurones in maintaining consciousness and the ability to perceive pain is well-documented.
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Transmission of nerve impulses across the synaptic cleft by noradrenaline (NA)
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Mechanism of action of Rompun:
Blocking of alpha-2- receptors inhibits the release of NA from the presynaptic cell thereby eliminating transmission of nerve impulse |
These two important roles explain why the inhibition of noradrenaline release by Rompun induces
- sedation/anaesthesia
- analgesia
- central muscle relaxation.
These properties are of practical significance in daily veterinary practice.
By binding to postsynaptic alpha-2-receptors, Rompun causes peripheral vasoconstriction followed by hypertension and bradycardia (in reflex response to hypertension).
Peripheral vasoconstriction reduces blood flow through the capillaries in the skin and muscles, which is an important advantage as far as the surgeon is concerned.
The analgesic effect continues for some time after surgery. This ensures greater comfort for the animal when it wakes up and provides a smoother recovery.
* agonist = a substance that has a strong affinity for and potent intrinsic action at a given receptor
