Intro To ANS Pharmacology Flashcards
Describe the synthesis of ACh
Choline transporter transports choline from the extracellular space into neurons
ChAT catalyzes the synthesis of ACh by combing the acetyl moiety of acetyl coenzyme A with choline
Describe the storage of ACh
ATP-ase dependent ACh vesicular transporter transports ACh into vesicles
What is the order of cholinergic neurotransmission?
Synthesis of ACh
ACh storage
Release of ACh
ACh destruction
Describe the release of ACh
When the AP reaches the axon terminal depolarization causes the opening of voltage gated Ca channels resulting in a Ca influx
Ca influx promotes the fusion of the vesicular membrane with the cell membrane and ACh is released
Which protein is responsible for the fusion of the vesicle membrane and the synaptic membrane?
SNARE protein (VAMPs and SNAPs)
What terminates ACh signaling?
Cleavage of ACh into acetate and choline by AChE
What are the NTs and receptors for the somatic NS?
NT = ACh
nAChR
Describe the somatic NS
Consciously controlled actions
Movement, respiration, posture
Describe the ANS
Unconscious actions
CO, blood flow to various organs, digestion
What is the NT and receptor for the PNS/
ACh
Receptors: nAChR and mAChR
What are the NTs and receptors for the SNS?
NE > Epi (DA) and sometimes ACh
Receptors: alpha and beta adrenergic, (D) + nAChR and mAChR
Describe ACh
Major NT of the PNS
Found at all preganglionic autonomic fibers, all postganglionic parasympathetic fibers and a few postganglionic sympathetic fibers (e.g. sweat glands)
Activates nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptors
Describe norepinephrine
Major NT of the SNS
Found at the majority of postganglionic sympathetic fibers
Describe epinephrine
Synthesized in the adrenal medulla and in a few epinephrine containing neuronal pathways in the brainstem
Upon depolarization of the preganglionic sympathetic neuron ACh is released and grinds to nAChRs (Nn) on the adrenal medulla releasing catecholamines (80% epi, 20% NE)
Describe dopamine
Precursor to NE and E
Synthesized in the cytoplasm of neurons
Has actions in the CNS and renal vascular smooth muscle
What are some co-neurotransmitters?
ATP, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, others
Where are parasympathetic nAChR (ionotropic) found?
CNs and autonomic ganglia (Nn)
What is the function of parasympathetic nAChR?
Excitatory
What are the agonists for nAChR?
ACh and nicotine
Where are sympathetic nAChR (ionotropic) found?
Adrenal medulla (Nn)
What is the function of sympathetic nAChR?
Release of catecholamines (mostly E)
Where are parasympathetic mAChR (metabotropic) found?
CNS, autonomic ganglia, effector organs (cardiac and smooth muscle, gland cells, nerve terminals)
What is the function of parasympathetic mAChR?
Excitatory and inhibitory
What are the agonists for a parasympathetic mAChR?
ACh and muscarine
Where are sympathetic mAChR (metabotropic) found?
Sweat glands