Essential Pharmacology

Question 1

Describe the basic function of receptors

Answer 1

Intercellular communication by chemical signalling molecules acting on specific receptors

Question 2

Explain signal transduction

Answer 2

Type of intercellular communication dependent on different receptors, responses include secretory activity, contractile activity, metabolism, membrane permeability, rate of proliferation or differentiation

Question 3

Explain intercellular receptors

Answer 3

Lipid soluble signalling molecules bind to intercellular receptors in the cytoskeleton or nucleus e.g. NO, steroid hormones

Question 4

Explain cell surface receptors

Answer 4

Hydrophilic signalling molecules bind to receptors on the cell surface e.g.
Receptors- channels
G protein coupled receptors
Receptor enzymes
Integrity receptors

Question 5

Describe receptor channels

Answer 5

Ion tropic receptors e.g. nicotine acetylcholine receptors

Question 6

Describe receptor- enzymes

Answer 6

Intrinsic enzyme activity e.g insulin receptors or
Bound to an enzyme e.g. cytokine receptors

Question 7

Describe integrity receptors

Answer 7

Receptors that interact with the cytoskeleton

Question 8

Describe G protein coupled receptors

Answer 8

Biggest class
Different G proteins couple to different 2nd messenger systems
May couple directly to ion channels (affects membrane potential and firing action)

Question 9

Explain g coupled protein to phospholipase C

Answer 9

Produces IP3 & DAG (2nd messengers)
Releases Ca2+, regulates kinase C activity
Phosphorylase’s target proteins and changes their activity

Question 10

Explain g receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase

Answer 10

Produces cAMP as 2nd messenger
Regulates kinase A activity
Phosphylates target proteins/ changed their activity

Question 11

What is a pharmacology

Answer 11

The study of the way living systems are affected by chemical agents

Question 12

What is a receptor

Answer 12

Drugs act by interacting with a binding site (receptor)
E.g. cell surface, intercellular, ion channels, carriers, enzymes, nuclei acids

Question 13

Explain the terms antagonist and agonist

Answer 13

Agonist- mimics normal effect of receptor
Antagonist- blocks normal action of receptor

Question 14

Define efficacy and affinity

Answer 14

Efficacy- does it activate the receptor
Affinity- does it bind to the receptor