3 - Mechanisms of drug action

Question 1

A 4 year old girl is bitten by a Tiger snake whilst holidaying in Australia. An anti-venom (harvested antibodies) is administered. Which form of antagonism is utilised by the anti-venom?

A: Competitive receptor blockade
B: Physiological antagonism
C: Chemical antagonism
D: Pharmacokinetic antagonism
E: Irreversible receptor blockade

Answer 1

C: Chemical antagonism

Question 2

Tolerance to the euphoric effects of drugs of abuse (e.g. heroin & cocaine) can occur after repeated use. Which form of tolerance would not involve any change in the cells that mediate the euphoric effects?
A: Receptor desensitisation
B: Receptor down-regulation
C: Exhaustion of mediator stores
D: Receptor up-regulation
E: Increased metabolic degradation

Answer 2

E: Increased metabolic degradation