What is the mechanism of action of dantrolene in treating malignant hyperthermia?

Dantrolene is classified as a skeletal muscle relaxant, and its primary mechanism of action in treating malignant hyperthermia is through the inhibition of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle cells. By preventing the excessive release of calcium, dantrolene decreases muscle contraction and helps alleviate the severe hypermetabolic state caused by malignant hyperthermia.

The condition occurs when certain triggers, often during surgical procedures involving general anesthesia, result in excessive calcium influx into the muscle cells, leading to sustained contraction, increased metabolism, and ultimately hyperthermia. Dantrolene's ability to effectively diminish this calcium release is crucial in managing the physiological crisis outlined above.

In this context, while other options like vasodilation and cholinergic receptor inhibition might play roles in different clinical scenarios, they do not pertain to the specific action of dantrolene. Understanding the exact mechanism of dantrolene is essential for recognizing its pivotal role in treating malignant hyperthermia and preventing potential complications associated with this life-threatening condition.