39. Novel Therapeutics

Question 1

What is a new approach to treating hypertension?

Answer 1

Target the interaction between endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells

Question 2

How do guanylate cyclise stimulators work?

Answer 2

Enhance cGMP synthesis -> causes vasodilation

Improves pulmonary hemodynamics

Question 3

How do prostacyclin receptor agonists work?

Answer 3

Enhance cAMP to produce vasodilation and anti proliferation of vascular SM

Question 4

How do endothelin receptor blockers work?

Answer 4

Block endothelin receptors - endothelin is most powerful vasoconstrictor

Question 5

How do rho-kinase inhibitors work?

Answer 5

Inhibit phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC) to reduce smooth muscle contraction

Question 6

How do potassium channel openers work?

Answer 6

Cause hyperpolarisation of membrane which leads to reduced intracellular calcium. Relaxes smooth muscle

Question 7

What are the drawbacks of non-viral gene therapy treatments?

Answer 7

Non specific, harsh, can be inefficient