Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
3,4-Diaminopyridine
Introduction
3,4-Diaminopyridine is an experimental drug used in the treatment of Lambert-Eaton Syndrome. In Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, acetylcholine release is inhibited as antibodies meant to target characteristic cancers target Ca2+ channels on the prejunctional membrane instead. 3,4-Diaminopyridine works by blocking potassium channel efflux in nerve terminals so that action potential duration is increased. Ca2+ channels can then be open for longer time and allow greater acetylcholine release to stimulate muscle at end plate.
It has also been proposed for use in multiple sclerosis.[3]
References
References
- ↑ AAEM Quality Assurance Committee. American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. (2001). “Practice parameter for repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber EMG evaluation of adults with suspected myasthena gravis or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: summary statement”. Muscle Nerve. 24: 1236–1238.
- ↑ Lundh H, Nilsson O, Rosen I, Johansson S. (1993). “Practical aspects of 3,4-diaminopyridine treatment of the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome”. Acta Neurol Scand. 88: 136–140.
- ↑ Judge S, Bever C (2006). “Potassium channel blockers in multiple sclerosis: neuronal Kv channels and effects of symptomatic treatment”. Pharmacol. Ther. 111 (1): 224–59. PMID 16472864.