Ergot Alkaloids - Background

Question 1

Which agents have a strong structural similarity to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, and therefore they produce diverse pharmacological actions when they bind to receptors for these neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

Ergots

Question 2

What type of action do ergots produce at alpha adrenergic receptors: Agonist, partial agonist, antagonist?

Answer 2

All. They cause vasoconstriction

Question 3

What type of action do ergots produce at serotonin receptors: Agonist, partial agonist, antagonist?

Answer 3

All

Question 4

What type of action to ergots produce at dopamine receptors: Agonist, partial agonist, antagonist?

Answer 4

Agonists and partial agonists. Since they are D2 agonists at the CTZ they can cause nausea and vomiting.

Question 5

What are the effects of ergot poisoning?

Answer 5

• Dementia with florid hallucinations
• prolong vasospasms known as St. Anthony’s fire which can lead to gangrene
• uterine contractions which may result in abortion

Question 6

Which compounds, since they are D2 and 5HT-2A agonists, have schizophrenic like symptoms associated with them?

Answer 6

Ergots

Question 7

What are the dosage forms of ergots?

Answer 7

Oral, parenteral, rectal, sublingual, inhalant