How Do You Spell CURARINE?

Pronunciation: [kjˈʊɹɑːɹˌiːn] (IPA)

Curarine is a medication used to relax muscles during surgery. Its spelling is derived from the plant from which it was first isolated, Chondrodendron tomentosum, also known as curare. The IPA phonetic transcription of curarine is /ˈkjʊərəriːn/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "c" in curarine is pronounced as "k," while "ur" is pronounced as "ʊər." The ending "-ine" indicates that it is an alkaloid, a class of organic compounds commonly found in plants.

CURARINE Meaning and Definition

1. Curarine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the bark, roots, and stems of certain tropical plants from the Strychnos family, including Strychnos toxifera and Chondrodendron tomentosum. It is a potent muscle relaxant and neurotoxin, commonly used for its paralyzing effects during surgery and for the treatment of various neuromuscular disorders.

   The primary mode of action of curarine involves blocking the transmission of nerve impulses from the motor neurons to the skeletal muscles. It competitively binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located on the postsynaptic membrane, preventing the binding of acetylcholine, which is necessary for the initiation of muscle contraction. By inhibiting these receptors, curarine induces flaccid paralysis and temporary loss of muscle function.

   Curarine has been widely utilized as a pharmacological tool in research experiments to understand the molecular mechanisms of nerve-muscle interactions and to develop potential therapeutic agents. It is also employed as a treatment for conditions characterized by muscle overactivity, such as spasms, certain forms of epilepsy, and tetanus.

   However, curarine should be used with caution due to its potential toxic effects if administered in excessive doses or for extended periods. Common side effects include respiratory depression, hypotension, and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. It is therefore crucial to closely monitor patients receiving curarine, ensuring appropriate dosing and considering individual susceptibilities. Overall, curarine holds significant medical value as a muscle relaxant but requires careful administration and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.

2. The alkaloidal active principle of curare, occurring in the form of a yellowish amorphous powder; formula, C19H21NO4, or C13H35N, or C19H26N2O, according to various analysts; dose, gr. 1/200-1/100 (0.0003-0.0006).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CURARINE

• curawrine

Etymology of CURARINE

The word "Curarine" comes from the Arawak language, specifically the Carib language, spoken by the indigenous people of South America. The Caribs are known to have used curare, a toxic substance derived from plants, for hunting and warfare. The word "curare" in the Carib language means "poison", and "Curarine" is a term coined in English to describe the alkaloid compounds found in curare. These compounds, such as d-tubocurarine, have muscle-relaxing effects and are used in medicine as a neuromuscular blocker during surgery.

Similar spelling words for CURARINE

• Cruorin,
• careworn,
• kroran,
• crurin,
• kuririn,
• Cruorine,
• curarin.

Plural form of CURARINE is CURARINES