Final Part 3 Flashcards
What are alkylating agents used for in cancer treatment?
Alkylating agents bind to DNA and form cross-links, preventing DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death.
How does cisplatin work in cancer chemotherapy?
Cisplatin cross-links DNA, inhibiting DNA replication and causing apoptosis, primarily used for testicular and ovarian cancers.
What is the role of methotrexate in cancer treatment?
Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly in rapidly dividing cells.
What is the mechanism of action of vincristine?
Vincristine binds to tubulin, preventing microtubule formation and inhibiting cell division, primarily used in lymphoma and leukemia.
What is the therapeutic use of tamoxifen in breast cancer?
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen’s proliferative effects on breast tissue.
How do monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) work in cancer treatment?
Trastuzumab targets and inhibits the HER2 receptor, which is overexpressed in some breast cancers, inhibiting tumor growth.
What are the main side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, alopecia, immunosuppression, and teratogenicity.
What is the primary action of glucocorticoids as immunosuppressants?
Glucocorticoids suppress inflammation and immune responses by inhibiting the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
What are calcineurin inhibitors used for?
Calcineurin inhibitors, like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, suppress T-cell activation and are used in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.
How does azathioprine work as an immunosuppressive agent?
Azathioprine is a purine analog that inhibits DNA synthesis in rapidly proliferating immune cells, used for organ rejection and autoimmune conditions.
What is the function of mycophenolate mofetil in immunosuppression?
Mycophenolate inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, blocking purine synthesis in T and B cells, reducing immune response.
How does methotrexate function as an immunosuppressant?
Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, decreasing purine and pyrimidine synthesis and suppressing T-cell proliferation.
What is the use of rituximab in immunosuppression?
Rituximab targets CD20 on B cells, depleting B cells and treating autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers.
What is the mechanism of action of opioids in pain management?
Opioids bind to mu, delta, and kappa receptors in the CNS, inhibiting pain transmission and perception, resulting in analgesia.
What are the main side effects of opioid analgesics?
Opioid side effects include respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, sedation, and the potential for addiction.
How does naloxone reverse opioid overdose?
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that binds to opioid receptors, displacing the opioid and reversing its effects.
What is the difference between full agonists and partial agonists in opioid pharmacology?
Full agonists, like morphine, produce maximum effect, while partial agonists, like buprenorphine, produce a submaximal effect even at high doses.
How do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work?
NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.
What is the role of acetaminophen in pain management?
Acetaminophen acts centrally to inhibit COX enzymes, reducing pain and fever but with minimal anti-inflammatory effects.
What is the mechanism of action of local anesthetics?
Local anesthetics block sodium channels, preventing action potential propagation and resulting in local numbness.
How do corticosteroids help with pain and inflammation?
Corticosteroids suppress inflammation by inhibiting phospholipase A2 and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.
What is the mechanism of action of levodopa in Parkinson’s disease?
Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, replenishing dopamine levels and improving motor function.
How do dopamine agonists like pramipexole help in Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine agonists stimulate dopamine receptors directly, compensating for the decreased dopamine production in the brain.
What is the role of COMT inhibitors like entacapone in Parkinson’s disease?
COMT inhibitors prevent the breakdown of levodopa, prolonging its effects and improving motor function in Parkinson’s patients.
What is the action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in Parkinson’s disease?
MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of dopamine, increasing dopamine availability in the brain and improving motor symptoms.
What is the role of anticholinergic agents in Parkinson’s disease treatment?
Anticholinergics help reduce tremors and rigidity by blocking acetylcholine activity in the brain, which is unopposed by dopamine in Parkinson’s disease.
How does amantadine help in treating Parkinson’s disease?
Amantadine enhances dopamine release and inhibits its reuptake, providing symptomatic relief for Parkinson’s patients.
