What is the action of lignocaine at a cellular level?

What is the action of lignocaine at a cellular level?

• A. Increases sodium influx
• B. Blocks sodium channels
• C. Inhibits calcium channels
• D. Stimulates potassium channels

Answer: (B)

Lignocaine, also known as lidocaine, primarily functions as a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic medication, and its action at the cellular level is characterized by its ability to block sodium channels. When lignocaine is administered, it binds to the voltage-gated sodium channels in the neuronal cell membranes. By blocking these channels, lignocaine inhibits the influx of sodium ions during depolarization. This disruption prevents the propagation of action potentials along the nerves, effectively interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system. In cardiac tissues, the blocking of sodium channels results in a stabilizing effect on cardiac membranes, making lignocaine useful in managing certain types of arrhythmias. The other options do not accurately describe the action of lignocaine. It does not increase sodium influx, nor does it have a primary role in inhibiting calcium channels or stimulating potassium channels. Instead, its localized effectiveness hinges on its capacity to block sodium channels, which is critical for producing its anesthetic effects.

Lignocaine, also known as lidocaine, primarily functions as a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic medication, and its action at the cellular level is characterized by its ability to block sodium channels. When lignocaine is administered, it binds to the voltage-gated sodium channels in the neuronal cell membranes.

By blocking these channels, lignocaine inhibits the influx of sodium ions during depolarization. This disruption prevents the propagation of action potentials along the nerves, effectively interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system. In cardiac tissues, the blocking of sodium channels results in a stabilizing effect on cardiac membranes, making lignocaine useful in managing certain types of arrhythmias.

The other options do not accurately describe the action of lignocaine. It does not increase sodium influx, nor does it have a primary role in inhibiting calcium channels or stimulating potassium channels. Instead, its localized effectiveness hinges on its capacity to block sodium channels, which is critical for producing its anesthetic effects.