L10: the Sympathetic Nervous System Flashcards
What are the main differences in anatomy of parasympathetic and sympathetic systems neurons?
- pre-ganglionic neurone is shorter in sympathetic than parasympathetic
- post-ganglionic neurone is longer in sympathetic than parasympathetic
- sympathetic post-ganglionic synapse neurotransmitter is noradrenaline which acts on adrenoreceptors on effector organs, while in parasympathetic it’s ACh acting on muscarinic ACh receptors
SEE L10, slide 4 for diagram
What is the difference between adrenaline and noradrenaline?
Noradrenaline is released from most post-ganglionic neurons, while adrenaline is released as a consequence of sympathetic nervous system. Adrenaline is predominantly synthesised in the adrenal medulla.
What are the exceptions in sympathetic neurotransmitters and neurones anatomy of sympathetic system?
- there is NO post-ganglionic neurone in adrenal medulla, only pre-ganglionic which releases ACh, which acts on nicotinic ACh receptors on adrenal medulla
- neurotransmitter in sweat glands post-ganglionic synapse is ACh, which acts on muscarinic ACh receptors, and NOT noradrenaline
SEE L10, slide 6
What are the drugs inhibiting noradrenaline synthesis, storage and release?
- Ganglion Block: Hexamethonium
- Synthesis: α-Methyl-tyrosine (hypertension in pregnancy), Methyl-dopa, Carbidopa (Parkinson’s)
- Storage: Reserpine
- Release: Guanethidine.
What are the classes of adrenoreceptors? What are their differences?
- Alpha (more noradrenaline potent)
- beta (more adrenaline potent)
What are the subclasses of adrenoreceptors?
- alpha-1, alpha-2
- beta-1, beta-2, beta-3
Where are alpha-2 adrenoreceptors found?
alpha-2 receptors are found pre-synaptically
Where are alpha-1, beta-1, beta-2 adrenoreceptors found?
alpha-1, beta-1, beta-2 adrenoreceptors are found post-synaptically
Which class do adrenoreceptors belong to?
GPCRs
In which tissue or organ are alpha-1 adrenoreceptors found?
Smooth muscle and heart
What is the G protein associated with alpha-1 adrenoreceptor?
Gq/11
In which tissue or organ are alpha-2 adrenoreceptors found?
Smooth muscle
What is the G protein associated with alpha-2 adrenoreceptor?
Gi
In which tissue or organ are beta-1 adrenoreceptors found?
Heart muscle
What is the G protein associated with beta-1 adrenoreceptor?
Gs
In which tissue or organ are beta-2 adrenoreceptors found?
Smooth muscle
What is the G protein associated with beta-2 adrenoreceptor?
Gs
In which tissue or organ are beta-3 receptors found?
Fat cells
What is the G protein associated with beta-3 adrenoreceptor?
Gs
What is the G protein for alpha-1 adrenoreceptor? What is its mechanism?
Gq/11
They work on Phospholipase C-beta (PLC-beta), which catalyses PIP2 conversion to IP3, which triggers calcium release and smooth muscle contraction. BUT they cause relaxation of smooth muscle in the GI tract.
CHECK L10, slide 9
What is the G protein for alpha-2 adrenoreceptor? What is its mechanism?
Gi
- Inhibits AC, which normally catalyses ATP conversion to cAMP,
- which then inhibits calcium release leading to inhibition of Transmitter Release.
- also PKi is not converted to PKa, which usually phosphorylates MLKC, leading to smooth muscle relaxation
- because of this, smooth muscle contracts
CHECK L10, slide 9
What is the G protein for beta-1 adrenoreceptors? What is its mechanism?
Gs
- Acts on adenylate cyclase (AC), which catalyses ATP conversion to cAMP
- leads to heart muscle contraction, stimulation increases heart rate and force of contraction.
CHECK L10, slide 9
What is the G protein for beta-2 adrenoreceptors? What is its mechanism?
Gs
Found in smooth muscle, causes relaxation and blood vessel dilation, promotes cAMP conversion, which then acts on converting PKi to PKa, PKa then phosphorylates MLCK, phosphorylated MLCK becomes inactivated and causes relaxation.
CHECK L10, slide 9
What is the G protein for beta-3 adrenoreceptors? What is its mechanism?
Gs
Found on fat cells (adipocytes) and stimulate lipolysis.
CHECK L10, slide 9