PHAR 736 Final Exam (Filtz) Flashcards
N(N) Receptors
Neuronal Nicotinic receptors on post-gangliconic neurons and adrenal medulla
5 subunits forming a barrel with inner poor to allow cations to pass through
Required binding of 2 molecules of ACh
Nicotinic receptor antagonists
Non-depolarizing (flaccid paralysis)
Competitively blocks ACh binding sites (can be overcome by more ACh)
Nicotinic receptor agonists
Depolarizing blocker (spastic paralysis)
Persistent stimulation induced blockade, akin to desensitization
Blockade NOT to be reversed by excess ACh; must wait for resensitization
N(M) blockers cause paralysis of
voluntary, striated, skeletal muscle
Curare
Classic natural product paralytic agent
Used in South America to paralyze prey
No initial excitation, only blockade resulting in paralysis (80-120min)
Sequential order of paralysis: Eye, jaw, throat and neck, appendages, abdominal muscles, intercostal muscles and diaphragm
Dose can be titrated to avoid asphyxiation but produce waking paralysis
Poisoning treatable with AChE inhibitors
Problems with curare and curare-like drugs
Action terminated by excretion in urine so may have extended duration in patients with renal insufficiency
Histamine release also associated with curare, so be careful with asthmatics
Potentially dangerous synergism with antibiotics (streptomycin, tetracyclin)
> antibiotics chelate Ca2+ and contribute to muscle paralysis
Antibiotics prolong duration of action of curare-like drugs beyond expectations
Synthetic curare-like drugs
No histamine release
Drugs terminated by renal elimination are better for patients with liver disease, and vice versa
Cisatracurium, Pancuronium, Vecuronium, Rocuronium
Cisatracurium
Medium duration (30-40 minutes)
Nm selective because it cannot cross into the ganglionic space
Terminated by metabolism
Pancuronium, Vecuronium, Rocuronium
Greater selectivity for Nm over Nn receptors that cisatracurium
Pancuronium is long-lived (120-180 min), renal elimination (great for surgery and for those with liver disease)
Rocuronium and Vecuronium are of intermediate duration, liver metabolized, and can be chemically antagonized by sugammadex.
Succinylcholine
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocker; cheap, rapid acting and short duration
Nm selective
Opens ion channel, causing initial depolarization leading to contracting and twitching for 1 minute; persistent stimulation = eventual blockade (~5 minute paralysis)
Succinylcholine hydrolyzed by circulating plasma cholinesterases (pseudocholinesterases) and has short duration
Short term paralysis makes it useful for electroshock therapy, setting fractures and dislocations, endotracheal intubations)
Problems with succinylcholine
No chemical antidote for depolarizing blocker
May have muscle pain and soreness from initial twitching
Hyperkalemia due to affinity for K+ channels (problematic for those on digitalis or with electrolyte imbalances)
Duration may be dangerously extended in patients with liver disease or genetic defects resulting in low levels of circulating cholinesterase
May cause malignant hyperthermia when used in conjunction with inhalation anesthetics in some patients
Malignant Hyperthermia
Results from Succinylcholine + inhaled anaesthetic causing hypermetabolic response of muscle tissue due to excess calcium release
Treat with Dantrolene (blocks Ca2+ release from SR)
Tetrodotoxin
Bacterial toxin concentrated by marine organisms such as pufferfish
Na+ channel blocker that interrupts axonal conductance
Botulin toxin
From Clostridium botulinum of food-poisoning fame
Inhibits Ca2+ dependent binding of vesicles to plasma membranes thereby inhibiting neurotransmitter release
Predominant tone and effect of ganglionic blockade effect on Blood Vessels
Sympathetic; hypotension
Predominant tone and effect of ganglionic blockade effect on Bladder and GI sphincters
Sympathetic; Relaxation
Predominant tone and effect of ganglionic blockade effect on Heart
Parasympathetic; Tachycardia
Predominant tone and effect of ganglionic blockade effect on Eye
Parasympathetic; Mydriasis, blurred vision
Predominant tone and effect of ganglionic blockade effect on GI Tract
Parasympathetic; Decreased motility
Predominant tone and effect of ganglionic blockade effect on Urinary Bladder
Parasympathetic; Urinary retention