Cholinergic Pharmacology Flashcards
What are the two major parts of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Name 2 KEY neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system?
Acetylcholine and noradrenaline.
Which neurons are cholinergic in the autonomic nervous system?
Preganglionic neurons and postganglionic parasympathetic neurons.
What inhibits the rate-limiting step of choline uptake into the nerve terminal?
Hemicholinium.
How is ACh transported into its vesicles for storage?
By the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT).
What is the major mechanism for the termination of ACh’s action?
Inactivation via acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
How do reversible AChE inhibitors work?
They prevent the breakdown of ACh, enhancing its action.
Name two families of cholinoceptors.
Muscarinic receptors and nicotinic receptors.
What are the effects of muscarinic agonists on the cardiovascular system?
Decrease in cardiac output via M2 receptors
How do muscarinic agonists affect the eye?
Contraction of the ciliary muscle and constrictor pupillae, reducing intraocular pressure via M3 receptors.
What are the side effects of the non-selective muscarinic agonist bethanechol?
Blurred vision, increased salivation, bronchial constriction, hypotension, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, urinary urgency.
What are the main effects of muscarinic antagonists like atropine?
Reduced secretions, urinary retention, mydriasis, relaxation of the gut
What is the primary action of pralidoxime?
To reactivate cholinesterase inactivated by organophosphates.
What distinguishes muscarinic from nicotinic receptors?
Muscarinic receptors are G-protein-coupled, while nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels.
What is the role of nicotine in ganglion stimulation?
It stimulates both sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia.
What is the mechanism of action for nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers?
They act as competitive antagonists at ACh receptors, without depolarizing the motor end plate preventing muscle contraction.
How does succinylcholine work as a depolarizing blocker?
It binds to nicotinic receptors, causing persistent depolarization and eventual transmission block.
What is the primary cause of myasthenia gravis?
Autoimmune production of antibodies that destroy/block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
How are cholinesterase inhibitors used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis?
They enhance communication between nerves and muscles by preventing ACh degradation (increase ACh levels).
What is the clinical application of edrophonium?
Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. (It is a short acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor)