Final Part 2 Flashcards
What is the main effect of nitrates on vascular smooth muscle?
Nitrates relax vascular smooth muscle by increasing cGMP levels.
What is the function of calcium channel blockers in cardiovascular pharmacology?
They block calcium influx into cells, leading to smooth muscle relaxation, reduced heart contractility, and decreased blood pressure.
How do beta-blockers affect the cardiovascular system?
Beta-blockers decrease heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure, thus reducing cardiac output and oxygen demand.
What is the effect of ACE inhibitors on the cardiovascular system?
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, lowering blood pressure by reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.
What is the therapeutic use of digoxin in heart failure?
Digoxin increases cardiac contractility by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, improving heart function.
What is the primary mechanism of action of warfarin?
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, decreasing the synthesis of clotting factors.
What is the main mechanism of action of diuretics in treating hypertension?
Diuretics reduce blood volume by promoting renal sodium and water excretion, lowering blood pressure.
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in heart rate regulation?
Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output through beta-1 adrenergic receptors.
How do alpha-1 blockers reduce blood pressure?
By blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation.
How do beta-2 agonists help in asthma treatment?
Beta-2 agonists relax bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow.
What is the role of corticosteroids in managing asthma?
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways, decreasing bronchoconstriction and mucus production.
What is the action of muscarinic antagonists in COPD treatment?
Muscarinic antagonists block parasympathetic stimulation, leading to bronchodilation and reduced mucus secretion.
How do leukotriene receptor antagonists work in asthma?
They block leukotriene receptors, reducing bronchoconstriction and inflammation caused by leukotrienes.
What is the function of theophylline in asthma management?
Theophylline is a bronchodilator that works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP levels in bronchial smooth muscle.
What is the primary action of insulin in glucose metabolism?
Insulin facilitates glucose uptake into cells, promoting glycogen synthesis and reducing blood glucose levels.
How do biguanides, like metformin, lower blood glucose?
Biguanides decrease hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
What is the mechanism of action of sulfonylureas in diabetes?
Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release from the pancreas by blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels.
What is the role of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in diabetes management?
TZDs improve insulin sensitivity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ).
How do SGLT2 inhibitors work in diabetes treatment?
SGLT2 inhibitors block glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, promoting glucose excretion in urine and lowering blood glucose.
What is the function of GLP-1 agonists in diabetes?
GLP-1 agonists increase insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying to reduce blood glucose.
What is the mechanism of action of penicillin?
Penicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
How do macrolide antibiotics work?
Macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
What is the role of fluoroquinolones in treating bacterial infections?
Fluoroquinolones inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase, preventing DNA replication and transcription.
What is the mechanism of action of vancomycin?
Vancomycin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminal of peptidoglycan precursors.
How do aminoglycosides like gentamicin work?
Aminoglycosides bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and causing misreading of mRNA.
What are the major side effects of tetracyclines?
Tetracyclines can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, bone deposition, and photosensitivity.