ICPP

Question 1

Hyperkalaemia

Answer 1

Plasma potassium concentration of > 5.5 mmol/L leading to atrial and ventricular fibrillations
Treatment: IV insulin, glucose and calcium

Question 2

Multiple sclerosis

Answer 2

Autoimmune disease causing demyelination
Decreased conduction velocity or complete block of action potentials
Treat with B interferon or steroids, 􏰈both mediate immune function􏰓

Question 3

Myesthenia Gravis

Answer 3

Autoimmune disease targeting nACh receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle cells
Endplate potentials are reduced in aptitude leading to muscle weakness and fatigue which deteriorates with exercise
Treatment: avoiding triggers, Pyridostigmine, immunosuppressants and steroids

Question 4

Asthma

Answer 4

inflammatory disease 
broncho-constriction
overproduction of mucus 
increased air resistance
Treatment: B2 agonists, short acting e.g salbutamol and long acting e.g salmeterol

Question 5

Heroin Addiction

Answer 5

Harmful habit of heroin use

Treatment: injection with buprenorphine (partial agonist at onion receptor)

Question 6

Cholera

Answer 6

Cholera toxin
the toxin complex binds to the cell and the enzyme is ‘injected’ into the cell
Cholera toxin prevents termination of signalling by Gs
Symptoms: diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting
Treatment: Oral Rehydration Solution

Question 7

Whooping cough

Answer 7

Pertussin toxin (bordatella Pertussis)
toxin complex binds to cell and enzyme is ‘injected’ into the cell
Ptx causes Gi subunits to remain locked in their GDP-bound, inactive state, thus unable to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity, leading to increased cellular concentrations of cAMP.
Symptoms: cough with “whoop” sound, red in the face, thick mucus
Treatment: Antibiotics