Block 1 Exam Flashcards
What is the difference between the motor neurons in the somatic NS vs the ANS?
-Somatic innervates skeletal muscles; voluntary
-ANS: innervates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands; involuntary
What neurotransmitter is always released by the preganglionic neurons in the ANS?
ACh
What neurotransmitter is released from postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic and parasympathetic NS? What is the exception to this?
-Sympathetic: norepineprhine
-Parasympathetic: ACh
-Sweat glands have sympathetic input but only use ACh as a neurotransmitter
What is another name for the sympathetic NS?
-“Fight or flight”
-Thoracolumbar system
What is another name for the parasympathetic NS?
-“Rest and digest”
-Craniosacral system
What is the role of the parasympathetic division?
-SLUD
-Salivation
-Lachrymation
-Urination
-Defecation
-BP, HR, and RR are low
-GI tract activity is high
-Pupils are constricted and lenses are accommodated for close vision
What is the role of the sympathetic division?
-Mobilizes the body during activity
-Promotes adjustments during exercise or when threatened
-Blood flow is shunted to skeletal muscles and heart
-Bronchioles dilated
-Liver releases glucose
What are the functional aspects of the parasympathetic NS?
-Constricts pupils
-Stimulates salivation
-Inhibits heart
-Constricts bronchi
-Stimulates GI tract
-Stimulates gallbladder
-Contracts bladder
-Relaxes rectum
What are the functional aspects of the sympathetic NS?
-Dilates pupils
-Inhibits salivation
-Relaxes bronchi
-Accelerates heart
-Inhibits digestive activity
-Stimulates glucose release by liver
-Secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine from kidney
-Relaxes bladder
-Contracts rectum
What receptors are there in the sympathetic NS?
-⍺-1
-⍺-2
-β-1
-β-2
What receptors are there in the parasympathetic NS?
Muscarinic
What types of receptors do ACh bind to?
-Nictonic receptors
-Muscarinic receptors
Where are nicotinic receptors found?
-Motor end plates of skeletal muscles
-All ganglionic neurons (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
-Hormone-producing cells of the adrenal medulla
-Effect of ACh at nicotnic receptors is always stimulatory
Where are the muscarinic receptors found?
-Found on all effector cells stimulated by postganglionic cholinergic fibers
-The effect of ACh at muscarinic receptors can either be excitatory or inhibitory
What are the two types of adrenergic receptors?
-Alpha
-Beta
What is sympathetic tone?
-Sympathetic NS controls BP even at rest
-Keeps blood vessels in a continual state of partial constriction
-Sympathetic fibers fire more rapidly to constrict blood vessels and cause BP to rise
What is parasympathetic tone?
-Parasympathetic NS dominates the heart and smooth muscle of GI tract and urinary tract organs
-Slows the HR
-Dictates normal activity levels of the digestive and urinary tracts
What are unique roles of the sympathetic NS?
-The adrenal medulla, sweat glands, and blood vessels only receive sympathetic fibers
-Controls thermoregulatory responses to heat
-Release of renin from the kidneys
-Metabolic effects
Where are β-1 receptors located that are stimulated by the sympathetic NS? What are its effects?
-Heart (increase HR)
-Salivary glands (increases)
-Adipose tissue (lipolysis)
-Kidney (renin secretion)
Where are ⍺-1 receptors located that are stimulated by the sympathetic NS? What are its effects?
-Skin (constricts)
-Smooth muscle sphincters (contracts)
-Pupils (dilation-mydriasis)
Where are β-2 receptors located that are stimulated by the sympathetic NS? What are its effects?
-Bronchioles (dilates)
-Blood vessels to skeletal muscle (dilates)
-Smooth muscle walls (relaxes)
-Bladder wall muscle (relaxes)
-Liver (gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis)
Where are ⍺-2 receptors located that are stimulated by the sympathetic NS? What are its effects?
Smooth muscle walls (relaxes)
What are cholinergic agonists? What is another name for them?
-Mimic the effects of acetylcholine
-Also referred to as “parasympathomimetics”
What are the two types of cholinergic agonists?
-Direct: mimic the activity of ACh at the cholinergic receptors
-Indirect: inhibit the actions of acetylcholinesterase
What are some examples of direct acting cholinergic agonists?
-Bethenechol
-Pilocarpine
-Methacholine
-Carbachol
What is the mechanism of action of bethanechol? What is its purpose?
-Targets muscarinic receptors in the GI and urinary tract
-Purpose is to increase tonicity in the destrusor muscle and stimulate gastric motility
What are adverse effects of bethanechol?
-Abdominal discomfort
-Urinary urgency
-Flushing of skin
-Bronchial constriction
-Asthma attacks
What is the mechanism of action of pilocarpine? What is its purpose?
-Targets muscarinic receptors in the lacrimal glands
-Its purpose is to decrease fluid in the eye which decreases pressure
-Used to treat glaucoma
What are the adverse reactions of pilocarpine?
-Blurred vision
-Decreased night vision
-Eye irritation
-Headache
-Increase sweating and salivation
What is methacholine used for?
To diagnose asthma
What is carbachol used for?
To treat glaucoma
What are indirect acting cholinergic agonists/cholinesterase inhibitors used for alzheimer’s?
-Donepezil
-Rivastigmine
-Galantamine
What are indirect acting cholinergic agonists/cholinesterase inhibitors used for myasthenia gravis?
-Neostigmine
-Pyridostigmine
-Edrophonium
-Ambenonium
What are indirect acting cholinergic agonists/cholinesterase inhibitors used for glaucoma?
-Physostigmine
-Echothiopate
What is myasthenia gravis?
Weakness of the skeletal muscle and fatigue
What is glaucoma?
Increase in intraocular pressure which can lead to blindness
What are common adverse effects of cholinergic stimulants?
-GI distress
-Increased salivation
-Increased lachrymation
-Bronchoconstriction
-Bradycardia
-Difficulty in visual accommodation
What are common anti-cholinergic drugs?
-Atropine
-Scopolamine
-Ipratropium bromide
-Tiotropium bromide
-Oxybutynin
-Tolterodine
-Benztropine
-Tropicamide
-Dicyclomine
-Hyoscyamine
What are common ⍺-1 selective agonists? What is their use?
-Phenylephrine
-Pseudoephedrine
-Oxymetazoline: reduces redness of the eye
-Xylometazoline
-Decrease nasal congestion
What are adverse effects of ⍺-1 agonist?
-Increased BP
-Headache
-Slow HR due to reflex bradycardia
What are common ⍺-2 selective agonists? What is their use? What is the mechanism of action?
-Clonidine
-Methyldopa
-Antihypertensive agent
-Binds to ⍺-2 receptors on the presynaptic neuron and blocks neurotransmitter release
What are adverese effects of ⍺-2 agonists?
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Dry mouth
What are common β-1 selective agonists? What is their use?
-Dobutamine: positive inotrope
-Dopamine: congestive HF
What are adverse effects of β-1 selective agonists?
-Chest pain
-Arrhythmias
-SOB or difficulty breathing
What are common β-2 selective agonists? What is their use?
-Albuterol: bronchodilator
-Salmeterol: bronchodilator
-Terbutaline: delay preterm labor (slows uterus contractions)
What are adverse effetcs of β-2 selective agonists?
-Nervousness
-Restlessness
-Trembling
What are some common non-selective adrenergic drugs? What are their uses?
-Amphetamines: treat ADHD in children, or narcolepsy
-Epinephrine: anaphylactic shock
-Norepinephrine: to treat hypotension during shock
What are the adverse effects of non-selective adrenergic drugs?
-CNS excitation
-Anxiety
-Arrhythmias
-Hypertension
What are common ⍺-1 selective antagonists? What is their use?
-Prazosin: antihypertensive
-Doxazosin: antihypertensive
-Alfuzosin: treats urinary retention
-Tamulosin: treats urinary retention
What is phenooxybenzamine? When is it used?
-⍺-1 selective antagonist
-Used to control BP prior to and during the removal of a pheochromocytoma (cancer of adrenal gland)
What are the adverse effects of ⍺-1 selective antagonists?
-Reflex tachycardia
-Orthostatic hypotension
-Dizziness
What are common β-1 selective antagonists? What are their uses?
-Atenolol: antihypertensice
-Bisoprolol: treats HF
-Metroprolol: treats HF
-Esmolol: treats arrhythmias
What are some common non-selective β blockers? What are the adverse effects of them?
-Propranolol: antihypertensive
-Timolol: treats glaucoma
-Could cause bradycardia and bronchoconstriction
What are the adverse effects of β-adrenergic antagonists?
-Bronchoconstriction
-Increase in airway resistance
-Bradycardia
-Dizziness
-Depression
-Lethargy
What are physical therapy considerations for anyone taking medications that influence the ANS?
-BP and HR may be low
-Respiratory conditions
-Dizziness and fall risk
-Endurance and fatigue: may have exercise intolerance
-Heat tolerance: anticholinergics can decrease sweating
-Cholinesterase inhibitors can cause bradycardia
-Diuretics are often prescribed with ANS agents and can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
What are the health threats from high BP?
-Stroke
-Vision loss
-HF
-MI
-Kidney disease
-Sexual dysfunction
What are the two types of hypertension?
-Essential
-Secondary
What is essential hypertension?
Cause is not known
What is secondary hypertension?
-Cause is known
Can be caused by the following:
-Renal artery constriction
-Phenochromocytoma (tumor of adrenal glands)
-Primary aldosteronism
What is the calculation for blood pressure?
BP= CO x total peripheral resistance (TPR)
What is elevated BP?
SBP 120-129 and DBP less than 80
What is stage 1 hypertension?
SBP 130-139 or DBP 80-89
What is stage 2 hypertension?
SBP 140 or higher or DBP 90 or higher
What is a hypertensive crisis?
SBP higher than 180 and/or DBP higher than 120
What is the stepped approach to treatment of hypertension?
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication management
- Multiple medications
What is non-pharmacological treatments for hypertension?
-Dietary salt restriction
-Potassium supplementation
-Weight loss
-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH)
-Aerobic exercise
What are the anti-hypertensive drug categories?
-A: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
-B: Blockers of the angiotensin receptor
-C: calcium channel blockers
-D: diuretics
-Beta blockers
-Alpha blockers
-Alpha 2 agonists
-Renin inhibitors
-Vasodilators
What are diuretics? What are the different types?
-Acts on the kidneys to increase excretion of sodium and water
-Thiazide diuretics
-Loop diuretics
-Potassium sparing diuretics
What is the mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics? What are common thiazide diuretics?
-Ibhibits sodium reabsroption in the distal convoluted tubule
-Chlorothiazide
-Hydrochlorothiazide
What is the mechanism of action of loop diuretics? What are common loop diuretics?
-Inhibits reabsorption of sodium & chloride in the Loop of Henle
-Furosemide
-Torsemide
What is the mechanism of action of K+ sparing diuretics? What are common K+ sparing diuretics?
-Prevents secretion of K+
-Not as good of a diuretic but it prevents hypokalemia
-Spironolactone
-Triamterene
What are side effects and adverse reactions of diuretics?
-Fluid loss: can lead to orthostatic hypotension
-Electrolyte imbalance: can lead to cardiac arrhythmias
-Hypokalemia
How does the renin-angiotensin system work?
-Decreased BP, blood volume, or decreased sodium content
-Kidneys release renin
-Renin converts angiotensinogen (in the liver) to Angiotensin I
-Angiotensin I travels to the lungs
-Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the lungs, converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II
What are the effects of angiotensin II?
-Causes vasoconstriction, thereby increasing BP
-Stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex
-Stimulates the release of antidiuretic hormone which increases water retention and blood volume
-Induces thirst leading to increased fluid intake
What can occur with chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin system?
Can lead to persistent increases in blood pressure, contributing to the development of hypertension
What is the function of aldosterone?
It leads to sodium and water retention in the kidneys, which increases blood volume and pressure
What is the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?
-Inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) therefore preventing angiotensin II from being made
-Inhibits aldosterone secretion as there is no angiotensin II
-Prevents remodeling of the blood vessels and heart
What are common ACE inhibitors?
-Benazepril
-Captopril
-Cilazapril
-Enalapril
-Fosinopril
-Lisinopril
-Quinipril
-Ramipril
What are side effects or adverse effects of ACE inhibitors?
-Dry cough
-Hyperkalemia
-Acute kidney damage
-Angioedema (skin & mucous membranes)
-Fetotoxi and should not be used by pregnant women!!!
What is the mechanism of action of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)?
-Blocks the angiotensin II receptors to prevent vasoconstriction, release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands
-Same therapeutic effect as ACE inhibitors
What are the side effects and adverse effects of ARBs?
-Acute kidney damage
-Hyperkalemia
-Fetotoxic and should not be used by pregnant women
What are common ARBs?
-Candesartan
-Irbesartan
-Losartan
-Telmisartan
-Valsartan
-Olmesartan
What is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers (CCBs)?
Blocks calcium entry into the cells of the vascular smooth muscle and the heart
How does smooth muscle activation work in the vascular and heart smooth muscle?
-Influx of extracellular calcium releases stored calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
-Intracellular calcium binds to calmodulin, which then activate myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)
-Activation of MLCK enables myosin to interact with actin to induce contraction
What are side effects of CCBs?
-Dizziness
-Flushing
-Headache
-Fatigue
-Peripheral edema
What are common CCBs?
-Verapamil
-Dilitiazem
-Amlodipine
-Felodipine
-Nifedipine
How do β-1 blockers effect blood pressure?
-Bind to β-1 receptors
-Blocks the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine
-Decreases HR and contractility which results in reduced CO and BP
How do ⍺-1 blockers effect blood pressure?
Binds to ⍺-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle to cause decrease in vascular resistance which decreases BP
How do ⍺-2 agonists effect blood pressure?
Stimulates ⍺-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce sympathetic outflow
What are common vasodilators? What are their uses?
-Hydralazine and minoxidil directly relax arteriolar smooth muscle resulting in vasodilation
-Minoxidil is a more potent vasodilator than hydralazine
-Used to treat moderate-severe hypertension
What is the mechanism of action of vasodilators?
-Activation of K+ channels
-Increased K+ efflux induces hyper-polarization of the smooth muscle membrane
-Calcium influx is inhibits and the arteriolar smooth muscle relaxes
What are side effects and adverese effects of vasodilators?
-Reflex tachycardia
-May prompt angina pectoris, MI, or cardiac failure
-Increase plasma renin concentration resulting in sodium and water retention
-Orthostatic hypotension
What is the mechanism of action of renin inhibitors? What is their use?
-Aliskiren
-Similar to ACE inhibitors and ARBs
-Ibhibits renin
-Monitors serum K+ and kidney function
-Must not be used during pregnancy
What are physical therapy considerations for anyone taking anti-hypertensives?
-BP monitoring
-Orthostatic hypotension
-Fatigue and dizziness
-Exercise intensity
-Dehydration
-Electrolyte imbalances
-Patient education
What are the different classes of antiarrhythmic drug classes?
-Class I: sodium-channel blocker
-Class II: beta-blocker
-Class III: potassium-channel blocker
-Class IV: calcium-channel blocker
What is class IA anti-arrhythmic drugs? What is their mechanism of action?
-Block fast Na+ channels
-Cause moderate phase 0 depression
-Prolong repolarization
-Increased duration of action potential
What are common class IA anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Quinidine
-Procainamide
-Disopyramide
What are class IB anti-arrhythmic drugs? What is their mechanism of action?
-Weak phase 0 depression
-Shortened repolarization
-Decreased action potential duration
What are common class IB anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Lidocaine
-Mexiletine
What are class I anti-arrhythmic drugs used to treat?
Ventricular arrhythmias
What are class IC anti-arrhythmic drugs? What is their mechanism of action?
-Strong phase 0 depression
-Little effect on repolarization
What are common class IC anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Flecainide
-Propafenone
What are class II anti-arrhythmic drugs? What are their mechanism of actions?
-β-adrenergic blockers
-Blockade of myocardial β-adrenergic receptors
-Direct membrane stabilizing effects related to Na+ channel blockage
What are common class II anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Propranolol
-Other β-adrenergic blockers
What are class II anti-arrhythmic drugs used to treat?
-Atrial tachycardias
-Ventricular arrhythmias
What are class III anti-arrhythmic drugs? What is their mechanism of action?
-K+ channel blockers
-Cause delay in repolarization
What are common class III anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Amiodarone
-Dronedarone
-Ibultilide
-Dofetilide
What are class IV anti-arrhythmic drugs? What is their mechanism of action?
-Ca2+ channel blockers
-Slows rate of AV conduction in patients with a-fib
What are common class IV anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Verapamil
-Diltiazem
-Slows SA node in tachycardia
What are other drugs that are used in arrhythmias?
-Adenosine: inhibits AV conduction
-Digoxin: reduces conduction through AV node
-Atropine: blocks vagal effects on the SA node to treat sinus bradycardia
What are physical therapy considerations for patients taking anti-arrhythmic drugs?
-Monitor vital signs
-Recognize side effects
-Pace and progression
-Consider exercise type
-Educate patients
-Be prepared
-Coordination with healthcare providers
What are skeletal muscle relaxants used to treat?
Used to treat conditions associated with hyper excitable skeletal muscle- specifically spasticity and muscle spasms
What is spasticity vs spasm?
-Spasticity: velocity dependent increase in muscle tone caused by the increased excitability of the muscle stretch reflex
-Spasms: involuntary muscle contractions
What are common symptoms of severe spasticity?
-Muscle stiffness
-Muscle spasms
-Rapid muscle contractions
-Fixed joints: contractures
-Exaggerated muscle jerks
-Pain or tightness around joints
What is the primary goal of skeletal muscle relaxants?
-Selective decrease in skeletal muscle excitability
-Decrease pain without causing a profound decrease in muscle function
What are common anti-spasticity drugs?
-Baclofen
-Dantrolene
-Tizanidine
-Botulinum toxin
-Gabapentin
-Diazepam (Benzodiazepines)
What are common spasmolytics?
-Carisoprodol (Soma)
-Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
-Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
-Orphenadrine (Norflex)
What is the mechanism of Carisoprodol? What is a brand name of this drug?
-Its exact mechanism is unknown, but is believed to alter interneuronal activity in the spinal cord and descending reticular formation
-Polysynaptic inhibitor
-Decrease alpha motor neuron excitability
-Soma
What is the mechanism of Cyclobenzaprine? What is a brand name of this drug?
-Works centrally, likely by decreasing activity in the brainstem to relieve muscle spasms
-Flexeril
What is the mechanism of Methocarbamol? What is a brand name of this drug?
-Central muscle relaxant properties
-Robaxin
What is the mechanism of Orphenadrine? What is a brand name of this drug?
-Anticholinergic properties are believed to be responsible for this drugs mechanism
-Norflex
What are the key differences in the mechanisms for anti-spasticity drugs vs spasmolytics?
-Anti-spasticity drugs often have more specific targets
-Spasmolytics are less clear and can be diverse
What are the uses of polysynaptic inhibitors?
-Adjuncts to rest and PT for relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful MSK injuries
-The same compounds sometimes incorporated into the same tablet with analgesic (Norgesic)
What are adverse effects of polysynaptic inhibitors?
-Drowsiness, dizziness
-Nausea, lightheadedness, vertigo, ataxia, headache
-Tolerance and physical dependence
What are the most common polysynaptic inhibitors?
-Carisoprodol (Soma)
-Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
-Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
-Orphenadrine citrate (Norflex)
What is the mechanism of Diazepam (Valium)?
-Increases the inhibitory effects at CNS synapses that use GABA
-Binds to GABA A receptors: positive allosteric modulation
-Increases GABA-mediated inhibition of alpha motor neuron ——> less excitability
What are therapeutic uses of Diazepam?
-Treats muscle spasms associated with MSK injuries, especially low back strains
-Controls muscle spasms associated with tetanus toxin (inhibits spasms of larynx)
What are adverse effects of Diazepam?
-Sedation and a general reduction in psychomotor ability
-Long-term use also limited by tolerance and dependence
-Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use can cause seizures, anxiety, agitation, tachycardia, and even death
-Overdose can result in coma or death
What is an antidote for diazepam?
Flumazenil is antidote for Diazepam and other benzodiazepines
What drugs work on GABA A receptors?
Benzodiazepines (Valium/diazepam)
What drugs work on GABA B receptors?
Baclofen
What drugs work on alpha 2 receptors in the spinal cord?
Tizanidine
What drugs work directly on the skeletal muscle?
Dantrolene
What is the chemical name of Baclofen (Lioresal)? What is the mechanism?
-Chemical name: beta-(p-choloro-phenyl)-GABA
-Derivative of the central inhibitory GABA
-Binds to GABA B receptors in spinal cord
-Inhibits transmission within the spinal cord at specific synapses causing an inhibitory effect on alpha motor neurons within spinal cord
What are common uses of Baclofen?
-Administered orally to treat spasticity with spinal cord lesions (paraplegia, quadriplegia, SC demyelination)
-Drug of choice with MS because of fewer side effects
-Does not cause as much generalized muscle weakness as direct-acting relaxants such as Dantrolene
What are the adverse effects of Baclofen?
-Transient drowsiness which usually disappears within a few days
-Sometimes confusion and hallucinations in patients with CVA or in elderly
-Nausea, muscle weakness
-Headache
What are intrathecal injections? What are they used for? What is the benefit?
-Spinal injections
-Used in severe spasticity (Baclofen)
-Catheter and “pump” deliver drug to subarachnoid space
-May decrease spasticity with less drug, fewer systemic side effects
What is an itrathecal baclofen pump?
-Smaller catheter usually implanted surgically
-Open end of the catheter is attached to some type of programmable pump
-Pump is implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal wall
-Adjusted to deliver drug at slow, continuous rate
-Rate of infusion titrated over time to achieve best clinical reduction in spasticity
What are adverse effects of intrathecal baclofen?
-Disruption in delivery system
-Pump malfunction
-Increased drug delivery can cause overdose
-Abrupt stoppage of drug secondary to pump dysfunction can cause withdrawal syndrome (fever, confusion, delirium, seizures)
-Tolerance with long-term use
What is the mechanism of adrenergic alpha-2 receptor agonists? What is the primary agent?
-Primary agent: Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
-Stimulate alpha-2 receptors located on spinal interneurons
-Cause inhibition of interneurons which decreases excitatory input onto alpha motor neuron
-Tizanidine decreases excitability by both pre and post synaptic inhibition
-Efficacy similar to Baclofen but with less generalized muscle weakness
What are the uses of alpha-2 agonists?
-Control spasticity from spinal lesions and central lesions
-As effective in decreasing spasticity as oral baclofen or diazepam
-Milder side effects and less generalized muscle weakness
-Tizanidine is better than Clonidine because it has less cardiovascular side effects and hypotension
What are the adverse effects of alpha-2 agonists?
Sedation, dizziness, dry mouth
What is the mechanism of Gabapentin (Neurontin)?
-Calcium channel blocker
-Developed originally as anti-seizure drug
-Enhances GABA effect in spinal cord (exact mechanism unclear)
What are the uses of Gabapentin (Neurontin)?
-Decrease spasticity associated with SCI and MS
-Best use may be in combination with other anti-spasticity agents (Gabapentin + Baclofen)
-May help in reducing certain types of chronic pain