Chapter 4 : Drugs Used in Nervous System Disorders Flashcards
A neurotransmitter that allows a nerve impulse to cross the synaptic junction (gap) between two nerve fibers or between a nerve fiber and an organ (eg muscle, gland)
Acetylcholine
An enzyme that brings about the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap
Acetylcholinesterase
A term used to describe an action or a receptor that is activated by epinephrine or norepinephrine
Adrenergic
The absence of the sensation of pain
Analgesia
The loss of all sensation. May be described as local (affecting a small area), regional, or surgical (accompanied by unconsciousness)
Anethesia
The portion of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions
Autonomic Nervous System
A state of involuntary muscle rigidity that is accompanied by immobility, amnesia, and variable amounts of analgesia. Some reflexes may be preserved.
Catalepsy
The class of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, ephinephrine, and norepinephrine. When given, mimic the effects of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
Catecholamine
Activated by or transmitted through acetylcholine; also called parasympathomimetic. Increase activity in the GI tract
Cholinergic
A gland, organ, or tissue that responds to nerve stimulation with a specific action
Effector
The site of the synapse between neuron one and neuron two of the autonomic nervous system
Ganglionic Synapse
Receptors activated by acetylcholine and muscarine that are found in glands, the heart, and smooth muscle
Muscarinic Receptors
Receptors activated by acetylcholine and nicotine found at the neuromuscular junction of the skeletal muscle and at the ganglionic synapses
Nicotinic Receptors
The portion of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the craniosacral portion of the spinal cord, is mediated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and is concerned primarily with conserving and restoring a steady state in the body
Parasympathetic Nervous System
A drug that mimics the effects of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system
Parasympathomimetic
The portion of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the thoracolumbar spinal cord, is mediated by catecholamines, and is concerned with the fight-or-flight response
Symptathetic Nervous System
A drug that mimics the effects of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
Sympathomimetic
Define the difference between an agonist and an antagonist
An agonist combines with a receptor to bring about an action; an antagonist combines with a receptor to block an action
The area of the brain that serves to relay information from the spinal cord and brainstem to the interpretation center in the cerebrum is the
Thalamus
Most CNS drugs act by ______ or _______ the effects of neurotransmitters
interrupting; interfering with
What are the primary neurotransmitters for adrenergic receptors?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
List the 4 primary ways in which drugs affect the ANS
1) Mimicking neurotransmitters
2) Interfering with neurotransmitter release
3) Blocking the attachment of neurotransmitters to receptors
4) Interfering with the breakdown of neurotransmitters
List 5 indications for the use of cholinergic agents
1) Control vomiting
2) Treat urinary retention
3) Stimulate gastrointestinal activity
4) Treat glaucoma
5) Aid in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
Atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, and aminopentamide are examples of what drug class?
Cholinergic blocking agents (anticholinergic)
What category of drug is used to treat cardiac arrest and anaphylactic shock?
Adrenergic (sympathomimetic)
Propanolol is an example of what category of drug?
Beta Blocker
What are some adverse effects of xylazine and what drug may be used to antagonize its effects?
Bradycardia and hypotension; yohimbine
Why would you be concerned about using a thiobarbituate to induce anesthesia in a very thin dog?
Thiobarbiturates are very soluble in fat, which acts like a sponge to take the barbiturate out of the circulation and away from the CNS. Thin animals have reduced fat levels, which means that more of the thiobarbiturate remains in the bloodstream and may cause excessive depression of the CNS.
What are some characteristics of a cat anesthetized with ketamine? (5)
Analgesia Increased muscle tone Maintenance of pharyngeal/laryngeal reflexes Muscle tremors Loss of the blink reflex
List some of the signs of narcotic overdose (5)
Respiratory depression Cardiac depression Agitation Excitement Seizures
List 2 narcotic antagonists
Naloxone and nalorphine
Why should glyceryl guaiacolate not be mixed until just before use?
Because of its tendency to precipitate out of solution when stored
You are assisting in the delivery of a litter of puppies and you deliver one that is not breathing adequately. What drug would the veterinarian instruct to give, and by what route?
Doxapram (Dopram) may be administered on or under the tongue, into the umbilical vein, or by intramuscular injection.
All psychotherapy drugs are thought to produce their effects by altering _____ activity in the brain
Neurotransmitter
Dissociative agents such as ketamine and tiletamine may cause _____ at the injection site
Burning
A hypnotic (anesthetic) agent known for its very short duration and its white color is
Propofol
An inhibitory neurotransmitter that is widely distributed in the brain is
GABA
A benzodiazepine that is used as an antianxiety medication and as an appetite stimulant in cats is
Diazepam
An example of a tricyclic antidepressant used in veterinary medicine for separation anxiety in dogs is
Clomipramine
A drug used to treat old dog dementia
Anipryl
The nervous system carries out activity very rapidly by sending electric-like messages over a network of nerve fibers. The _____ system works more slowly by sending chemical messengers through the bloodstream to target structures
Endocrine
The ___ nervous system is under voluntary control
Somatic
The ___ is the fundamental unit of the nervous system
Neuron
<p>Epinephrine is responsible for all of the following except
A) can cause an increase in metabolic rate
B) can cause an increase in cardiac output
C) communication with stem cells in the bone marrow
D) can constrict blood vessels in the skin</p>
<p>C</p>
Xylazine is antagonized by
yohimbine
