Autonomic Nervous System 2

Question 1

Name 2 steps in the neurotransmission process that act as pharmacological ANS targets

Answer 1

• Transmitter degradation
• Interaction with post-synaptic receptors
• Transmitter inactivation
• Re-uptake of Transmitter
• Interaction with pre-synaptic receptors

Question 2

What is the main problem with pharmacological cholinergic transmission interventions?

Answer 2

Few agonists/antagonists are selective meaning there is likely to be side effects

Question 3

Name one pharmacological cholinergic transmission intervention mechanism

Answer 3

Increase ACh levels by delaying the action of AChesterase

Question 4

Name 3 side-effects that can result from pharmacological cholinergic transmission interventions

Answer 4

• Bradycardia
• Bronchoconstriction
• Sweating

Question 5

Name 2 conditions and the associated locally administered cholinergic transmission intervention drug

Answer 5

Asthma - Ipatropium

Overactive Bladder - Tolterodine

Question 6

Which syndrome is a result of a massive discharge of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 6

Sludge syndrome

Question 7

Name 3 causes of SLUDGE syndrome

Answer 7

• Drug overdose
• Magic mushrooms
• Nerve gases
• Organophosphates

Question 8

How does SLUDGE syndrome affect ACh?

Answer 8

Covalently modifies AChesterase causing overstimulation of muscarinic ACh receptors

Question 9

How can SLUDGE syndrome be treated?

Answer 9

• Anti-cholinergic agents
• E.g. Atropine
• Blocks muscarinic receptors and reverses covalent bonds on AChesterase

Question 10

What does SLUDGE syndrome stand for?

Answer 10

Salivation - salivary gland stimulation
Lacrimation - lacrimal gland stimulation
Urination - urethral relaxation
Defecation - anal sphincter relaxation
GI Upset - smooth muscle tone changes
Emesis - vomiting

Question 11

Describe the structure and purpose of post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons

Answer 11

• Highly branched axon allowing coordination of activity over a large area
• Numerous varicosities (terminals) which are sites for Ca2+ dependent NA release

Question 12

What removes noradrenaline from the synaptic cleft?

Answer 12

Noradrenaline transporter proteins

Question 13

What does noradrenaline interact with to regulate nerve terminal processes?

Answer 13

Pre-synaptic adrenoceptors

Question 14

How can noradrenaline transmission be terminated by uptake?

Answer 14

• Re-uptake by pre-synaptic terminals via a high affinity Na+ transporter
• Second mechanism by a lower affinity mechanism

Question 15

How can noradrenaline transmission be terminated by metabolism?

Answer 15

• NA not taken up by vesicles can be metabolised by enzymes

- MAO and COMT

Question 16

What is the advantage of using adrenoceptor pharmacology?

Answer 16

Agonists and antagonists are subtype selective reducing side effects

Question 17

Name a B2 adrenoceptor selective agonist pharmacological intervention

Answer 17

• Asthma
• Salbutamol
• Reverses/opposes bronchoconstriction

Question 18

Which adrenoceptor antagonists can help treat cardiovascular disorders?

Answer 18

A1 and B1

Question 19

Name a cardiovascular drug which act on A1 and B1 adrenoceptor antagonist

Answer 19

A1 - Doxazosin

B1 - Atenolol