Adrenergic Agents

Question 1

Adrenergic agents

Answer 1

Enhance or reduce activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
Act on adrenergic receptors or neurotransmitters

Question 2

Catecholamines

Answer 2

Adrenergic neurotransmitters
Contain catechol ring and ethylamine moieties
Examples include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine

Question 3

Metabolism of norepinephrine and epinephrine

Answer 3

Monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase: important enzymes
Major end product: vanillylmandelic acid

Question 4

Adrenergic receptors

Answer 4

Alpha and beta receptors (differ in secondary messengers: alpha- phospholipase C, beta- cAMP)
G-protein coupled receptors

Question 5

Which receptors do what

Answer 5

Constriction: alpha 1 and beta 1
Dilation: alpha 2 and beta 2

Question 6

Structure-activity relationships for catecholamine-like drugs

Answer 6

Adding -OH to alpha carbon gives greater activity in the peripheral nervous system
Increasing size of R group bound to N: increased beta activity and decreased alpha activity
Adding small alkyl groups to beta carbon: less degradation by MAO

Question 7

Phenylethanolamines

Answer 7

Mimic epinephrine

Alpha 1 agonists: vasoconstrictors

Question 8

Clonidine

Answer 8

Alpha 2 agonist: lowers blood pressure

Question 9

Albuterol

Answer 9

Seclective beta 2 agonist: relaxes bronchial muscles (inhaler active ingredient)

Question 10

L-Pseudoephedrine

Answer 10

Indirectly-acting sympathomimetic
Fewer CNS effects than ephedrine
Sudafed: nasal decongestant

Question 11

D-(-)-Ephedrine

Answer 11

Acts on both alpha and beta receptors

CNS stimulant

Question 12

Propranolol

Answer 12

Beta blocker (beta 1 and beta 2)
Treats cardiovascular symptoms, anxiety, and glaucoma (increased pressure in eyes)