Exploring Drugs Acting on Upper Motor Neurons: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

The upper motor neurons (UMNs) play a critical role especially in motor control and transmit signals particularly from the brain to the Spinal cord and impacting voluntary movements also. Baclofen is controlled by a centrally acting muscle relaxant that essentially targets the GABA _ B receptors particularly in the CNS. By stimulating GABA _ B receptors, baclofen decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitter, resulting in muscle relaxation. Specificity is seen in a very few conditions nanely cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Spinal cord injuries. Tizanidine is another muscle relaxant that shows its action on alpha 2 adrenergic receptors in the Spinal cord. By decreasing excitatory neurotransmitter release, tizanidine decreases muscle tone as well as spasticity. Tizanidine is useful in treating a very few conditions like multiple sclerosis and Spinal cord injuries. Dantrolene shows itsmaction on skeletal muscles by stopping the release of calcium ions especially from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Dantrolene is useful in treating Cerebral palsy and Spinal cord injuries. An injection of Botulinum toxin (Botox) takes place locally into muscles to stop the release of acetyl choline, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. By inducing muscle paralysis fir a temporary period, botulinum toxin is used to manage spasticity and dystonia associated with UMN disorders. Parkinsons disease essentially involves the LMNs, the interconnected nature of the nervous system that changes in UMN activity can also impact motor functions. In certain neurological disorders an inflammation is inflammation is linked to UMN dysfunction. Corticosteroid namely prednisone decreases inflammation and alleviate symptoms regarding conditions namely multiple sclerosis (MS). Finally it is concluded that drugs acting on UMNs play an important role regarding the management of various neurological disorders.