Autonomic pharmacology Flashcards
What are the responses to acute stress? (Sympathetic drive).
- Increased heart rate and contractility
- Bronchodilation, increased respiratory rate and depth
- Vasoconstriction of skin but vasodilation of muscle
- Mobilisation of energy sources
- Dilation of pupils, better distant vision and night vision
- Reduction in secretion production
- Increase in muscle tone
- Reduction in pain
Inhibition of digestion, urination, erection
What are the responses of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Essentially directly opposes the effect of the sympathetic N.S.
- Decreased heart rate
- Decrease in respiratory rate
- Increased blood supply to the gut
- Building energy stores
- Constriction of pupils, better close up vision
- Increase in secretion production
- Increase in GI motility
- Defecation, urination, sexual arousal
Location of parasympathetic nerves.
Cranio-caudal
Location of sympathetic nerves.
Thoraco-lumbar.
Why does a high thoracic or cervical injury cause loss of sympathetic drive?
- The sympathetic nerves in the spine are damaged.
- The vagus nerve is not damaged.
- Unopposed parasympathetic innervation causes a bradycardia.
- Loss of sympathetic tone causes vasodilation and hypotension.
How is hypotension managed in a hospital setting?
Administration of vasopressors (epinephrine, norepinephrine).
How is bradycardia managed in a hospital setting?
Administration of anticholinergics (atropine).
What is a red flag in back injuries?
Loss of pain sensation from the injuries can mask hidden (internal) bleeding.
How do synapses work?
- AP arrives at axon terminal
- VGCC open
- Ca2+ enters the presynaptic neuron
- Ca2+ signals to NT vesicles
- Vesicles move to the membrane and dock
- NT release via exocytosis
- NT binds to receptor
- Signal is initiated in postsynaptic cell.
What are the different types of receptors of the sympathetic nervous system?
Alpha1 (postsynaptic) - vasoconstriction.
Alpha2 (presynaptic) - negative FB suppresses noradrenalin realease.
Beta1 - Increased HR and contractility.
Beta2 - Bronchodilation.
Treatment of meningitis with septic shock and MOF.
IV metaraminol - acts through peripheral vasoconstriction by acting as a pure alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist thus increases BP.
Blood pressure is determined by (3)
HR
SV
SVR - can be increased by using vasopressors such as metaraminol.
Chronic hypertension - why is prevention important?
Alpha blockers are useful treatment for hypertension -> causes vasodilation (Alfuzosin -suffix=zosin).
Step up treatment for hypertension post MI and prevention.
ACEi
Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel)
Statins (simvastatin)
Beta blocker (-olol)
Severe asthma attack
Oxygen
Salbutamol (Inhalers with spacer; nebulisers, IV)
IV Hydrocortizone
Oral Prednisolone
Alpha 2 agonists
Act presynaptically - reduce the amount of noradrenaline released.
Receptors found in the brain and spine.
They form a negative FB loop.
They work in a counter-intuitive manner:
- antihypertensives
- sedatives
- analgesics
Clonidine - sedative on ITU, orally for drug withdrawal, menopausal flushing and certain pain conditions.
Adrenaline
Stimulates ALL sympathetic receptors. (*This can cause problems).
Used in very serious situations.
Cardiac arrest - 1mg IV 1:10000
Anaphylaxis - 0.5mg IM 1:1000
Short duration of action and can be repeated every 3-5 mins.
Adrenaline and dilated pupils
Dilated pupils after a cardiac arrest aren’t always a sign of neurological injury.
Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 antagonists
Phenozybenzamine
Phentolamine
Alpha 1 antagonists
Prazosin
Doxazosin
Beta 1 and Beta 2 antagonists
Propanolol
Carvediol