ANS neuropharmacology Flashcards
Main mechanisms by which drugs act on the nervous system
Mimicking the neurotransmitter action (Agonist at the receptor level), Blocking the neurotransmitter action (antagonist at the receptor level), or change normal action of transmitter indirectly (ie. Change synthesis, storage, releaseor block inactivation)
Which drugs are most selective
drugs that act post synaptically are most selective and thus have highest clinical utility
- List the steps in the synthesis, storage acetylcholine, and drugs that affect these processes.
Synthesis/storage: Choline taken up by cell (rate limiting step, blocked by hemicholinium) >choline acetyl transferase catalyzes > Ach stored in vesicles by transporter (inhibited by vesamicol)
- List the steps in the release of acetylcholine, and drugs that affect these processes.
Spontaeous release occurs continuously (leakage via choline carrier). Stimulation-evoked quantal release depends on action potential and on influx of Ca++ (Blocked by botulinum toxin, Increased by black widow spider toxin). Release also decreased by NE interaction with a2 adrenergic heteroreceptor on pressynaptic terminal
- List the steps in the inactivation of acetylcholine, and drugs that affect these processes.
Hydrolysis of Ach by acetylcholinesterase inactivates Ach. (Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs act as indirect agonists, by blocking breakdown of Ach). Redistribution not important. Butyrylcholinesterase is a pseudo cholinesterase that hydrolyzes longer chain esters
- For cholinergic receptors: a. List the locations of and the differences between nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors
nicotinic: ligand gated ion channels. Muscarinic: G protein coupled receptors
- For cholinergic receptors: b. Describe the signal transduction mechanisms activated by stimulation of nicotinic versus muscarinic cholinergic receptors
Nicotinic: Alterations in ionic permeability (increased Na+ - Ca++ ion conductance). Muscarinic: Alterations in enzyme activity • Gq activates phospholipase C [M1: neuronal (CNS and ENS) / GI glands, M3: exocrine glands / smooth muscle] • Gi inhibits adenylyl cyclase [M2, M4: heart, lungs, CNS])
What general effect do cholinergic agonists have?
Agonists: Produce the same effect as ACh at muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic end organs. Direct agonists activat muscarinic receptor, while indirect agonists inhibit cholinesterase activation
What general effect do cholinergic antagonists have?
Block effects of ACh at cholinergic receptors at various anatomic locations, including parasympathetic end organs (antimuscarinic or anticholinergic agents), at the NMJ (neuromuscular blockers) or at autonomic ganglia (ganglionic blockers)
What general effect do adrenergic agonists have?
Produce the same effect as NE and Epi at α- and β-adrenergic receptors on sympathetic end organs. Direct agonists activate adrenergic receptors, indirect agonists increase NE release
What general effect do adrenergic antagonists have?
Block effects of NE and Epi at α- and β-adrenergic receptors on sympathetic end organs.
What general effect do sympatholytic agents have?
Interference with adrenergic function in the presynaptic neuron via block of synthesis, storage or release
List direct acting muscarinic receptor agonists
Bethanechol (choline ester): synthetic analog of Ach with selectivity for muscarinic receptor and resistant to ACHE. Pilocarpine (parasympathomimetic alkaloid): selectivity for muscarinic and not a substrate for ACHE
Pharmacokinetics of direct acting muscarinic agonists
Bethanechol: low lipid solubility (poor absorption/distribution into CNS), increased duration of action. Pilocarpine: lipid soluble (well absorbed), excreted by kidneys (is a weak base, so excretion increases with acidic urine)
List 3 categories of indirect cholinergic agonists, inlcuding examples and the nature of the inhibitors interaction with ACHE
- Reversible, short acting (Edrophonium-donepezil): binds to anionic site, forming reversible ionic bond. 2. Reversible, intermediate to long acting (Neostigmine-Physostigmine): Forms carbamyl-serine-enzyme bond at anionic site that is hydrolyzed slowly. 3. Irreversible, very long acting (Isofluorphate-nerve gas): Does not bind anionic site, covalently transfers phosphate group to serine and phosphorylated enzyme does not undergo hydrolysis.