Nicotinics & AChE Flashcards
What kind of receptors are Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors (nAChRs)?
LGIC’s (Na+, Ca2+)
In the somatic nervous system, what is the structure of nAChRs?
They are a Pentameric Structure.
In the somatic nervous system where are the ACh binding sites located on the nAChRs?
Alpha interface
Delta/Epsilon interface.
How many ACh molecules must bind to open the ion channel?
2
What kind of nAChRs are located in the the Autonomic ganglia/Adrenal Medulla?
Alpha 3 containing.
What kind of isoforms of nAChRs exist in the CNS?
Many receptor isoforms BUT alpha and beta subunits only.
What is the most common alpha subunit in the CNS?
Alpha 4.
Which alpha subunit of nAChRs has high levels of expression in brain DA neurons?
Alpha 6
What is the second most common alpha subunit of nAChRs?
Alpha 7
What is the alpha 7 subunit of nAChRs more permeable to?
Increase Ca2+ permeability.
What alpha subunit of nAChRs is only expressed in the cochlea?
Alpha 9
What are the Direct Acting Nicotinic Agonists?
- Nicotine
- Lobeline (indian tobacco)
- Epibatidine (frog)
Why are actions of nicotinic agonists complex?
- Many potential sites of action.
- Activation of receptors followed by prolonged desensitization
- Nicotine a “secretagoge” - nAChRs on many types of presynaptic nerve terminals.
What are the most common exposures that cause acute nicotine toxicity?
- Pesticides
- Children eat cigs
- Harvesting tobacco
- Smoking while using nicotine patch or ecig
What can happen at a level of 40mg of nicotine?
Death due to:
- convulsions
- myocardial infarction
- Respiratory failure.
How do you treat nicotine overexposure?
- Gastric lavage
2. Mecamylamine for convulsions
What are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal?
- Dizziness, Tremor, High BP
- irritability, craving, anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating.
- IBS and increased appetite.
What are pharmacological tools for smoking cessation?
- NRT
- Verenicline (chantix) - partial agonist
- Bupropion
- Clonidine
- NicVax?
- BMOD
- Ecig?
Does a nicotinic agonist or antagonist increase the number of receptors?
BOTH can.
Where are Neuronal nictotinic receptors prominently located?
On the presynaptic nerve terminals.
What does nicotine reinforce?
Voluntary inhalation of known carcinogens.
What are Therapeutic actions of nicotinic agonists?
- Parkinson’s
- Alzheimer’s
- Cognitive disorders
- Schizophrenia/ADHD
- Tourette’s
- Ulcerative colitus
- Anxiety/ Alcholoism
- Analgesia
- Obesity
How do indirect acting skeletal muscle relaxants work?
By decreasing ACh release in somatic NS.
How do direct acting skeletal muscle relaxants work?
Block muscle nAChRs
aka Paralytic drugs
Can be competitive and non-competitive.
Do skeletal muscle relaxants affect the CNS or cross the placenta?
NO