Module E Flashcards
List 4 important classes of autocoids
Histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins, leukotrienes
Compare and contrast the locations and functions of H1, H2, and H3 receptors
H1: Found throughout the body (CNS, skin, airways). Activation causes alertness (hence drowsiness with antihistamines). Peripheral activation causes hives/rashes, erythema, pruritis, edema, cough, and bronchoconstriction
H2: Found in glandular and smooth muscle tissue of GIT, uterus, and vasculature. Activation causes gastric acid release and smooth muscle relaxation
H3: Autoregulatory inhibitory histamine receptor found throughout the nervous system
Antihistamines ______ (are / are not) effective once an allergic reaction is underway.
are not!
they should be used prophylactically to reduce frequency, severity, and duration of allergic reactions
The major difference between first and second generation antihistamines is:
first generation antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier and cause sedation/hypnosis, second generation antihistamines do not
The major clinical use of H2 receptor antagonists is:
reduce gastric acid production in GERD (ex: Zantac (ranitidine))
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
- First-generation antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist
- Blocks H1 receptors systemically, including the CNS
- Used to manage symptoms of allergy, but may cause unwanted sedation/hypnosis
Allegra (Fexofenadine)
- Second-generation antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist
- Blocks peripheral H1 receptors, does not closs blood-brain barrier
- Alleviates allergy symptoms without causing significant sedation/hypnosis
Claritin (Loratadine)
- Second-generation antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist
- Blocks peripheral H1 receptors, does not closs blood-brain barrier
- Alleviates allergy symptoms without causing significant sedation/hypnosis
Zantac (Ranitidine)
- H2-receptor antagonist
- reduces gastric acid secretion to reduce dyspepsia/gastroenteritis in GERD
Tagamet (Cimetidine)
- H2-receptor antagonist
- reduces gastric acid secretion to reduce dyspepsia/gastroenteritis in GERD
3 important endogenous sources of serontonin (5-HT) are:
platelets, neurons, GI cells
Describe the PNS effects of serotonin
- Platelet aggregation
- Vasoconstriction
- Bronchoconstriction
Describe the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, list the three main classes, and generally describe their effects
Arachidonic acid is cleaved from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 (ex: following injury). This then follows one of two pathways; cyclooxygenase (COX) initiates a metabolic pathway leading to production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. 5-Lipoxygenase initiates a pathway leading to production of the Leukotrienes. These local hormones have varied and often opposing effects (ex: vasoconstriction and vasodilation)
Group the prostaglandins/thromboxanes by vaso/bronchodilating vs. contricting effects
PGF, PGD, and TXA2 all cause bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction
PGE and PGI (prostacyclin) cause bronchodilation and vasodilation
also note that TXA2 causes platelet aggregation, while prostacyclin (PGI) inhibits it
Leukotrienes produce _______ (opposite / similar / greater) effects compared to histamine
similar and greater!
leukotrienes are responsible for the late phase reaction in anaphylaxis
Briefly describe the effects of PGE and PGE analogues and how they are used therapeutically
- cause vasodilation, bronchodilation, and smooth muscle contraction in the uterus
- used to treat PAH and ED, maintain a patent ductus arteriosus, and induce labour.
Briefly outline causes and treatments of PAH
- could be due to NO or PGI deficiency, or overabundance of endothelin-1 (ET1)
- non-specific treatments include oxygen, diuretics, cardiac glycosides
- specific therapies include CCBs, PGI (epoprostenol), NO donors, ET1 receptor antagonists, etc.
Contrast the roles of COX-1 and COX-2 in the body
COX-1 is a “housekeeping” enzyme, it is continuously expressed in gastric tissues and promotes mucus production with inhibited gastric acid secretions
COX-2 is an “inducible” enzyme, it is up-regulated in most tissues as a result of tissue injury causing prostaglandin/TXA2 production and inflammation