8. SNS agonists Flashcards
where are sympathetic adrenoreceptors found?
all over the body at the ends of sympathetic nerves
in which 2 ways does activation occur in the sympathetic NS?
NERVOUS activation of receptors - nerves release NA
HORMONAL activation of receptors - adrenaline from the bloodstream can diffuse into tissues
what do directly acting SNS agonists do?
- mimic actions of NA and A
- bind to and stimulate adrenoreceptors
- used principally for their actions on the CVS, eyes and lungs
what receptors are found in the heart and lungs?
heart - b1 = increased rate and contractility
lungs - b2 = dilation
how are blood vessels dilated and constricted?
dilation - activation of b2 receptors
constriction - activation of a1 receptors (dominant)
what is the order of selectivity of noradrenaline for receptors?
a1 = a2 > b1 = b2
NA is slightly more alpha selective
what is the order of selectivity of adrenaline for receptors?
b1 = b2 > a1 = a2
A is slightly more beta selective
what is NA derived from?
tyrosine from the diet
tyrosine -> DOPA -> Dopamine -> NA
where are all adrenoreceptors except a2 found?
post-junctional membrane
where is the a2 receptor found?
pre-junctional receptor found on the neurone itself (-ve feedback receptor that diminishes sympathetic effects by decreasing NA release)
give examples of directly acting SNS agonists
- adrenaline (non-selective)
- phenylephrine (a1)
- clonidine (a2)
- dobutamine (b1)
- salbutamol (b2)
what is anaphylaxis and what does a second exposure result in?
when someone becomes sensitive to a harmless agent
the next exposure results in recognition by mast cells coated with IgG antibodies -> mast cell degranulation -> histamine release -> bronchoconstriction + vasodilation
why do we give adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis?
A = Airways - acts on b2 to cause bronchodilation
B = Breathing - acts on b1 to cause tachycardia by increasing HR and CO
C = Circulation - acts on a1 to cause vasoconstriction to maintain normal BP
how does adrenaline stop degranulation?
it suppresses mediator release by acting on b-receptors on mast cells
what does mast-cell degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators cause in the heart and vascular system?
- increased capillary permeability and entry of fluid into tissues
- swelling of tissues e.g. tongue
- loss of BP
- reduced O2 to tissues
- irregular heartbeat
what does mast-cell degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators cause in the respiratory tract?
- contraction of smooth muscle and constriction of throat and airways
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
what does mast-cell degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators cause in the GI tract?
- contraction of smooth muscle
- stomach cramps
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
what are other clinical uses of adrenaline?
b2 (airways):
- asthma (emergencies)
- acute bronchospasm (associated with chronic bronchitis or emphysema)
b1 (inotropic effects):
- cardiogenic shock (sudden inability of heart to pump sufficient O2-rich blood)
a1:
- spinal anaesthesia (maintain BP before surgery)
- local anaesthesia (vasoconstricts)
what are the unwanted actions of adrenaline?
- secretions: reduced and thickened mucous
- CVS: tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, cold extremities, hypertension
- skeletal muscle: tremor
describe the actions of phenylephrine as a SNS agonist
- selective for a1
- structurally similar to A and NA
- more resistant to breakdown by COMT but not MAO (will last longer)
- good nasal decongestant: a1-mediated vasoconstriction of vessels in nose
- mydriatic (causes pupil dilation –> can use it for examination of the back of the eye)
describe the actions of clonidine as a SNS agonist
- selective for a2
- negative feedback effect so decreases sympathetic function even though it is a SNS agonist
- less NA release
what is clonidine primarily used to treat?
glaucoma
what is glaucoma?
an increase in intraocular pressure caused by poor drainage of aq. humour (formed from the ciliary body). the aq. humour is drained by the venous system. if untreated it permanently damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness
how does clonidine treat glaucoma?
there are a1 receptors on the blood vessels so stimulating this receptor causes vasoconstriction -> less blood supply to ciliary body -> less sq. humour produced
