Autacoids (trans 10) Flashcards
Autacoids
Diverse group of biologically active substances that are common in the ability act on smooth muscles
Sometimes called local hormones
A. Histamine B. Serotonin C. Ergot alkaloids D. Prostaglandins E. Nitric Oxide
HISTAMINE
Biogenic amine derived from amino acid histidine
Storage sites:
o Mast cells in tissues, basophils in blood
o CNS (neurotransmitter), ECL cells of stomach fundus (activates acid-producing cells in gastric mucosa)
Release of histamine:
1. Immunologic – binding of antigen to IgE attached on cell receptors attached on sensitized mass cells and basophils; requires energy and Ca2+; mediator of Type I/ Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Displacement – doesn’t require energy; degranulation doesn’t take place; e.g. morphine
- Mechanical/Physical Cell Injury – mass cell damage leading to degranulation
Actions of histamine
– via 4 types of GPCR (constitutive activity):
(constitutive activity):
- H1 – Gq; related to muscarinic or cholinergic receptors
- H2 – Gs; related to 5-HT1 receptors
- H3 – Gi
- H4 – Gi
Effects of histamine:
o On smooth muscle:
Vascular smooth muscle – dilatation of terminal arterioles and post-capillary venules (H1)
Sense of warmth, flushing, erythema; headache due to increase in blood and engorgement of vessels
Bronchial smooth muscle – marked constriction in sensitive airways (H1) (normal airways do not)
GIT smooth muscle – contraction, diarrhea (in large doses)
Pregnant, with anaphylaxis – abortion due to uterine contractions
o On sensory nerve endings: depolarization of afferent nerve terminals (H1)
Insect bites: itch and pain
o Direct cardiac effects:
Increase force of contraction/inotropic effect (H2) increase amount of Ca2+ that enters the myocytes
Increase rate of depolarization in SA node
increase pacemaker rate (H2)
Decrease arterial muscle contractility (H1)
Overall: Decrease BP (due to pronounced vasodilatation) with reflex tachycardia
o On secretory tissue: increase gastric acid secretion by gastric parietal cells (H2)
o On CNS: maintenance of sleep-wake cycles, appetite suppression, memory, etc.
Counteracting histamine effects:
- Physiologic antagonism – epinephrine binds to non-histamine receptors, reversing bronchoconstriction => bronchodilation
- Prevention of mast cell degranulation – mechanism in acute asthmatic attacks; e.g. cromolyn, nedocromil – mast cell stabilizers
- Use of anti-histamines via H-receptors – H1 anti-histamines; H2 antihistamines
H1 anti-histamines:
- 1st Generation H1 antihistamines
1. Ethanolamines – e.g. diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, doxylamine
2. Alkylamines – e.g. chlorphenamine, brompheniramine
3. Phenothiazines – e.g. promethazine
4. Piperazines – e.g. hydroxyzine, meclizine
- 2nd Generation H1 antihistamines
1. Piperazines:
Cetirizine: metabolite of hydroxyzine (1st gen)
Levocetirizine: active enantiomer of cetirizine
2. Piperidines:
Loratidine
Desloratidine: active enantiomer of loratidine
Fexofenadine: metabolite of terfenadine (early 2nd gen drug no longer available; cardiotoxicity)
3. Phthalazinones – e.g. Azelastine
HISTAMINE - Pharmacokinetics of H1 antihistamines
Pharmacokinetics of H1 antihistamines
1. Absorption: good (both 1st and 2nd gen H1 antihistamines are rapidly absorbed)
2. Peak plasma concentration levels: 1-2 hours
3. Duration of effect
2nd gen effects lasts longer than 1st
1st generation: 4-6 hours (for most); 12-24 hours (for meclizine)
2nd generation: 12-24 hours
4. Distribution
1st generation: can penetrate the blood-brain barrier into CNS due to lipid solubility
2nd generation: minimal/no entry into CNS
- less lipid soluble (reduced penetration in membranes)
- has P-glycoprotein substrates (efflux pump that expels foreign molecules)
5. Metabolism: mostly via CYP450
Pharmacodynamics of H1 antihistamines
MOA: reversible competitive binding to H1 receptors => reduce or block histamine effects
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Urticaria (hives)
Well-circumscribed wheels with erythematous borders, accompanied by itching
control of itching, redness/erythema and edema
For most cases, both 1st and 2nd gen are efficacious orally. But 2nd gen preferred due to better ADR profile.
For localized wheels, topical antihistamine (e.g. Caladryl, containing diphenhydramine) may be used
For intense wheels and severe itching, antihistamine may be introduced parenterally.
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Allergic rhinitis
Sneezing, itching of nose/throat, rhinorrhea (runny nose), nasal congestion
1st and 2nd gen drugs equally efficacious in terms of reliving nasal itching and sneezing
Rhinorrhea (runny nose) and nasal congestion only to a certain extent, hence antihistamines are usually given with decongestants
Again, 2nd generation drugs are preferred.
Intranasal AH also relieves sneezing and itching, while relieving runny nose and nasal congestion better than oral antihistamines
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Allergic conjunctivitis
Edema and congestion of eyelids and conjunctivae
Relieve ocular itching, watering, redness
Ophthalmic preparations used due to more rapid effect. However, they must be administered several times a day.
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Asthma
NOT treated by antihistamines due to the involvement of other inflammatory mediators
Asthma requires bronchodilators for acute attack, and inhaled glucocorticoid for prevention of future attacks
Antihistamines are NOT bronchodilators
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Laryngeal angioedema and anaphylaxis
Breathing obstruction in angioedema, anaphylaxis involves a systemic response to the presence of histamine, resulting in urticaria and hypotension.
Life-threatening, treated with epinephrine via ampule or auto-injector (epi-pen)
Antihistamines are only SECOND-LINE drugs as they are NOT vasoconstrictors
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Atopic dermatitis, wheels, itching, local reactions (as in insect bites)
AH may be used for relief.
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Motion sickness
Caused by conflict signals from the eyes and vestibular apparatus, presents with nausea/vomiting
1st generation antihistamines are used to prevent/treat motion sickness
1st gen antihistamines can enter CNS, block the histamine and muscarinic receptors in vestibular nuclei and vomiting center
Take at least 1 hour before travel or any activity involving motion sickness
Ex. diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, meclizine, promethazine
12-24 hours efficacy
Another effective drug: Scopolamine (anti-cholinergic drug, effective due to blockage of cholinergic impulses to the vestibular nuclei and vomiting center), available as patch on prescription, it is applied behind the ear 6-8 hours before travel, effective for 72 hours
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Vomiting due to radiation or chemotherapy (anti-emesis)
Promethazine – though it is not used as much anymore because it causes orthostatic hypotension
Clinical uses (and non-uses) of antihistamines (Generally: to combat allergic symptoms) - Anti-Parkinsonism
Antihistamines counteract rigidity, tremors, abnormal movements secondary to anti-psychotic drugs
Diphenhydramine injection