Drugs for Asthma/COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
slowly progressive airway obstruction due to chronic inflammation
includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
what are some symptoms of COPD?
cough
mucus hypersecretion
dyspnea (shortness of breath)
what are 3 causes of COPD?
smoking
air pollution
occupational exposures
what occupations are a risk factor for CODP?
firefighters
construction workers exposed to asbestos and other chemicals
what is chronic bronchitis? emphysema?
CB: inflammation of bronchi
E: destruction of alveolar structure, airways collapse during expiration (irreversible)
why is chronic inflammation a problem?
creates mucus layer, plugging the airway
edema caused by inflammation also narrows the airway
leads to difficulty breathing
what are the alveoli?
little sacs with a honeycomb structure (high SA) that are highly vascularized and function for air exchange
what is asthma?
a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
what are some symptoms of asthma?
recurring episodes of cough
wheezing
tight chest
dyspnea
what is asthma characterized by?
recurring episodes of hyper-responsiveness to stimuli that causes bronchoconstriction
triggering stimuli characterized as extrinsic (allergenic) or intrinsic (non-allergenic)
how does the airway of an asthmatic patient look different compared to healthy bronchi?
smooth muscles are tightened
inflammation in brochial tubes and increased mucus secretion
air trapped in alveoli
is asthma damage reversible? COPD?
asthma - yes
COPD - no
what 4 complications could occur if asthma is not treated and chronic inflammation of the airways occur?
1) fibrosis (scar tissue) - affects elasticity of bronchi (need high elasticity)
2) muscle hypertrophy/hyperplacia (increased muscle thickness) - due to hyperventilation/gasping - reduces airway
3) angiogenesis
4) mucus hypersecretion
what symptoms are amenable to drug therapy?
excessive airway smooth muscle tone
inflammation
mucus plugging
pulmonary edema
when would we not want to suppress a cough?
if the cough is productive, good idea to try and get the mucus out of the airway
what is extrinsic asthma?
“Allergen-induced”
external stimuli such as environmental allergens (dust, mold, pollen, animal dander, foods) trigger plasma cells to produce antigen specific IgE antibodies
IgE and/or antigens binding to mast cells resulting in degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators
What is intrinsic asthma?
“Non-allergenic asthma”
Symptoms triggered by non allergenic factors (anxiety, stress, cold/dry air, exercise, viruses)
Abnormalities in the autonomic regulation of airway functions suggested to increase responsiveness; innate immune system involved and role of adaptive immune system remains elusive
how does stress/anxiety lead to asthma? cold/dry air? smoke?
s/a = CNS mediated Ach release air = stimulate sensory receptors smoke = inhaled irritatn, triggers innate immune response
what is the pathophysiology of asthma?
1) allergen binds to both mast cell (IgE receptors?) and macrophages
2a) mast cell induces release of: histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and platelet activating factors leading to an acute response within minutes (bronchoconstriction)
2b) antigen binds to T cell which releases cytokines and chemokines or leukotrienes
3b1) cytokines and chemokines act on basophils and eosinophils which release other inflammatory mediators that cauuse prolonged response hours after acute reaction (vasodilation, mucus secretion, edema, bronchoconstriction) - leads to chronic inflammation
3b2) leukotrienes act on plasma cell, releasing IgE which acts on mast cell causing further inflammatory mediator release
inflammation of the airways ultimately causes shedding of epithelial cells. what are 3 consequences of this?
1) lack of protective barrier, allowing inhaled irritants and allergens to penetrate
2) exposes sensory nerves, which activation (release of neuropeptide substance B) leads to..
3) microvascular leaks and edema, and further inflammation stimulates Ach release from cholinergic reflex and leads to bronchoconstriction
the drugs for asthma and COPD can be divided based on what two things? name the subcategories for each
1) based on treatment strategies (controllers, relievers)
2) based on targets (airway muscle tone, inflammation)
what class of drug targets airway muscle tone? give examples
bronchodilators
beta-adrenergic agonists, methylxanthines, anticholinergics, leukotriene modifiers
what class of drug targets inflammation? give examples
anti-inflammatory agents
corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, anti-IgE monoclonal-antibody, leukotriene modifiers
what are bronchodilators?
agents that interact with smooth muscle cells lining the airways (bronchiole) and relax smooth muscles
what regulates the airway smooth muscle?
autonomic nervous system
what system causes bronchodilation? bronchoconstriction?
dilation - SNS
constriction - PNS
what electrolyte is related to bronchodilation and constriction?
high levels of this electrolyte causes dilation or constriction? low levels?
intracellular calcium
high levels = constriction
low levels = dilation
how does calcium cause bronchodilation or contriction?
dilation - decreased levels of calcium works with adenylate cyclase and cAMP to cause bronchial dilation
constriction - increased levels work with Ach to cause bronchial constriction
what is the process that leads to bronchoconstriction?
1) Ach binds to M3 muscarinic receptor and activation Gq
2) PLC activation leads to increased DAG and IP3 hydrolysis
3) Increased cytoplasmic calcium
4) calcium-calmodulin activates myosin (phosphorylation of light chains) via MLCK (myosin light chain kinase)
5) myosin binds to actin - actin slide past myosin
6) contraction occurs as long as calcium is present
Note: adenosine also increases calcium levels via PLC activation by the A1 receptor
what is the process that leads to bronchodilation?
1) activation of beta2 receptor, GPCR
2) activation of Gs
3) activation of adenylyl cyclase
4) ATP is converted to cAMP, leading to PKA activation
- promotion of SR calcium pumps decreases cytoplasmic calcium
- inhibition of MLCK prevent myosin binding to actin
5) dilation and relaxation occurs
name 3 examples of beta2-adrenergic agonists?
albuterol (salbutamol)
terbutaline (short acting)
salmeterol (long acting)
what is the MoA for beta agonists?
stimulate adenylyl cyclase thereby increase the formation of cAMP which acts to relax the airway smooth muscle leading to bronchodilation
what is the typical administration for beta agonists? what other forms could they be found in?
inhalation
albuterol/terbutaline - tablet form as well
terbutaline can be given SC
what is the indication for beta agonists? which is the drug of choice?
treatment of asthma
inhaled albuterol DoC for acute attacks
SC terbutaline or epinephrine for severe attacks along with corticosteroids
what can be administered with beta-agnists and why?
corticosteroids
improve efficacy of beta agonists and prevent development of tolerance