Gas Exchange and asthma drugs Flashcards
What nerve innervates the diaphragm
Phrenic nerve
Describe the structure of haemoglobin.
Tetramer: 4 repeating units.
Each subunit is made of
• Heme- ion porphyrin compounds, 4 heme
• Globin (2 alpha and 2 beta polypeptide chains)
4 binding sites of oxygen for each haemoglobin molecule.
Globin facilitates reversible binding
What are the 2 types of drugs used to treat asthma
Bronchodilators
Anti-inflammatory drugs
What are the types of bronchodilators
- B2 adrenoreceptor agonists
- Anticholinergic agents
- Leukotriene antagonists
- Xanthines
Describe the mechanism, side-effects and example of B2 adrenoreceptor agonists.
Mechanism: - dilates the bronchi - stabilises mast cells and monocytes Side-effects: - tremor - tolerance may occur Examples: - Salbutamol (short acting) - Formoterol (Long acting)
Describe the mechanism, side-effects and example of anticholinergic agents.
Mechanism: - bronchodilate - anti-secretory Examples: - Ipratropium (short acting) - Tiotropium (long acting)
Describe the mechanism, side-effects and example of leukotriene antagonists.
Mechanism: - weak anti-inflammatory agents - mild bronchodilators Examples: - Montelukast - Zafirlukast
Describe the mechanism, side-effects and example of Xanthines.
Mechanism: - bronchodilators - anti-inflammatory agents Side-effects: - seizures - cardiac dysrythmia Examples: - Theophyline - Aminophyline
What are the types of anti-inflammatory agents
Glucocorticoids
Anti IgE antibodies
Describe the mechanism and example of glucocorticoids.
Mechanism:
- has transcription factors which decrease Th2 cytokines
Examples:
Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone
What are new asthma therapies
SMART
Bronchial thermoplasty
What is the downside of using inhaled steroids for COPD
risk factor for development of pneumonia
