Inhibition by vecuronium of carbachol-induced influx of 22Na+, 45Ca2+ and secretion of catecholamines in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.

In cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells, vecuronium, pancuronium and D-tubocurarine reduced carbachol-induced 45Ca2+ influx and catecholamine secretion by inhibiting 22Na+ influx via nicotinic receptor-ion channel complex with IC50 values of 0.43, 7.6 and 3.9 mumol/l, respectively. IC50 values of pancuronium and D-tubocurarine observed in adrenal medulla were one order of magnitude higher than the plasma concentrations of these muscle relaxants reported to produce 50% neuromuscular blockade, while IC50 of vecuronium was quite close between adrenal medulla and skeletal muscle.