Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
sympathetic nerves originate from
thoracic and lumbar regions
parasympathetic nerves originate from
cranial and sacral regions
__________ nerves contain short preganglionic neurons and long postganglionic neruons
sympathetic
__________ nerves contain long preganglionic neurons and short postganglionic neurons
parasympathetic
sympathetic preganglionics are __________
cholinergic
sympathetic postganglionics are ___________
adrenergic
parasympathetic preganglionics are ___________
cholinergic
parasympathetic postganglionics are ___________
cholinergic
sympathetic postganglionic release
norepinephrine
sympathetic postganglionic stimulate
alpha and beta receptors
sympathetic postganglionic are metabolized by
MAO and COMT
parasympathetic postganglionic release
acetylcholine
parasympathetic postganglionic stimulate
muscarinic receptors
parasympathetic postganglionic are metabolized by
cholinesterase
What is a quarternary group?What is it’s significance?
1) When there are 4 C attached to a N
2) It has a charge and is therefore polar (i.e. does no go through lipids; cannot be transported into the CNS)
Benchmark parasympathetic responses
1) miosis
2) vasodilation of arterioles
3) negative chronotropic and negative ionotropic responses in heart
4) bronchoconstriction
5) SLUD (salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea)
**this is all d/t muscarinic stimulation
Benchmark sympathetic responses
1) positive iontropic and positive chronotropic responses in heart (Beta 1 stim.)
2) bronchodilation (Beta 2 stim.)
3) relaxation of myometrium (Beta 2 stim.)
4) insulin release (Beta 2 stim.)
5) vasoconstriction of arterioles (Alpha 1 stim.)
6) mydriasis (Alpha 1 stim.)
7) NE release (Alpha 2 stim.)
Type(s) of parasympathomimetic drug(s)
muscarinic agonists
cholinesterase inhibitors
Type(s) of parasympatholytic drug(s)
muscarinic antagonists
Acetylcholine category
ANS - parasympathomimetic
Acetylcholine MOA
muscarinic and nicotinic agonist
Acetylcholine distinguishing characteristics
1) rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases b/c it has a ‘naked ester’
2) acts on both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors
3) quaternary ammonium group invokes polarity (can’t pass thru BBB)
Acetylcholine predictable characteristics
1) short half life (seconds)
2) diffuse activity (parasympathomimetic, sympathomimetic, and sk. mm.)
3) limited distribution
4) possible local opthalmic use, but other products better
Bethanechol (urecholine) category
ANS - parasympathomimetic
Bethanechol (urecholine) MOA
muscarinic agonist
Bethanechol (urecholine) distinguishing characteristics
1) not metabolized by esterase enzymes
2) quaternary ammonium compound
3) particular affinity for gut and bladder sm. mm.
4) oral route preferred
Bethanechol (urecholine) predictable characteristics
1) no CNS effect
2) half life allows distribution to areas of low blood flow
3) uses: gastroparesis (postoperative), urinary retention, xerostomia, ocular diagnostics
4) s/e: other parasympathomimetic effects esp. following parenteral Rx
Pilocarpine category
ANS - parasympathomimetic
Pilocarpine MOA
muscarinic receptor agonist
Pilocarpine distinguishing characteristics
1) plant origin (Pilocarpus jabarundi)
2) tertiary ammonium compound
3) preferential activity of sweat glands
4) resistance to esterases
Pilocarpine predictable characteristics
1) used as miotic and in tx of glaucoma
2) will cz accommodation
3) used to tx xerostomia
4) may cz CNS effects at high plasma levels
5) diaphoresis is common s/e
6) duration of action is up to 8 hr
Neostigmine category
ANS - parasympathomimetic
Neostigmine MOA
reversible cholinesterase inhibitor (i.e. it attaches to cholinesterases w/ a weak ionic bond)
Neostigmine distinctive characteristics
1) quaternary ammonium compound
2) contains ester group - slowly hydrolyzed (1-2 hr half life)
3) poorly absorbed following oral rx
Neostigmine predictable characteristics
1) elevates Ach levels
2) cz both muscarinic and nicotinic stimulation
3) numerous peripheral s/e but not CNS
4) uses: miosis and glaucoma (local admin.), myasthenia gravis, antidote to some drugs (atropine), atonic gut and bladder
Malathione category
ANS - parasympathomimetic
Malathione MOA
irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor (binds to cholinesterase with a covalent bond)
Malathione distinguishing characteristics
1) tertiary ammonium compound
2) binds covalently to esterase enzymes
3) not hydrolyzed by esterase enzymes
4) rapidly absorbed thru multiple routes
Malathione characteristics
1) cz SLUD and other ANS activities
2) cz CNS disturbances
3) no therapeutic use
4) used as insecticide
5) similar agents used as chemical weapons
6) atropine is antidote plus supportive therapy