JC L1 Flashcards
What is Paul Ehrlich’s famous quote about receptors (include the modification)?
“A drug will not work unless it is specifically bound”
What is the scientific name for aspirin?
Acetylsalicylic acid
What is the molecular mechanism of action of aspirin?
Irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)
What are the four properties of aspirin?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antipyretic
- Analgesic
- Antiplatelet
What are the four types of receptor (superfamily of proteins)? Give an example for each.
- Ligand-gated ion channels, e.g. nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
- Receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity, e.g. insulin receptor
- G protein-coupled receptors, e.g. β-adrenoceptor
- Intracellular (nuclear) receptors, e.g. glucocorticoid receptors
What is the substrate for the enzyme cyclooxygenase?
Arachidonic acid
What are the substrates of adrenoceptors?
Adrenaline and noradrenaline
What are endogenous ligands?
Ligands the body produces naturally
What might exogenous ligands be?
Natural compounds (e.g. plant secondary metabolites) or laboratory-synthesised ligands
What is an alternative name for adrenoceptors?
Adrenergic receptors
What is the difference between noradrenaline and adrenaline?
Adrenaline has a methyl group at the end of the chain, whereas noradrenaline doesn’t
What is a competitive inhibitor of adrenaline?
Propranolol
