Pharmacology Flashcards
Muscle contraction mechanism
- L type Ca2+ channels open (due to depolarisation), allowing Ca2+ influx
- Ca2+ binds to troponin C and cause troponin-tropomyosin complex to move away from myosin binding site on actin
- allows troponin-tropomyosin complex to bind to actin and cause muscle contraction
Muscle relaxation mechanism
- L type Ca2+ channels close
- Ca2+ actively transported out of the cell via NCXR
- Ca2+ actively transported back into SR via SERCA
- reduction in Ca2+ causes troponin-tropomyosin to block myosin binding site, preventing myosin from binding -> muscle relaxation
Examples of beta adrenoceptor agonists
Adrenaline
Noradrenaline
Dobutamine
What type of adrenoceptor are adrenaline and noradrenaline
Mixed adrenoceptor - acts on beta and alpha adrenergic receptors
Which adrenergic receptor is adrenaline more effective
beta adrenergic
Which adrenergic receptor is noradrenaline more effective in
alpha adrenergic
What type of adrenergic receptor is dobutamine selective for
beta 1
Effects of beta adrenergic agonists
- positive chronotropic
- positive inotropic
- positive dromotropic
What is the overall effect of beta adrenergic receptor agonists
Increases HR and force of contraction (contractility) hence increases cardiac output
Increases O2 consumption of the heart muscle
Use of adrenaline
cardiac arrest
anaphylactic shock
What are the additional effects of adrenaline except from positive chronotropic and inotropic effects
Acts on alpha 1 adrenergic receptors - Constriction of arterioles in skin / gut / mucosa to redirect more blood to the heart
Acts on beta 2 adrenergic receptors - Dilatation of coronary arteries to increase blood flow
What is cardiac arrest
When the heart suddenly stops pumping, can be due to coronary artery disease blocking the coronary arteries
Side effects of adrenaline
tremor
arrhythmias
headache
Why does adrenaline have additional effects
because it is a non-selective beta agonists and it can also bind to alpha adrenergic receptorss
Uses of dobutamine
Acute heart failure
What is acute heart failure
Weakening of heart’s ability to contract
Side effects of dobutamine
Tachycardia
headache
palpitations
Examples of non-selective beta blockers
propanalol
nadalol
pindolol
Examples of selective beta blockers
atenolol
bisoprolol
metoprolol
What does the effect of beta blockers depend on
the degree of sympathetic stimulation because beta adrenergic receptors are used only during sympathetic stimulation (when not used, blocking it has no effect bc it is not producing an effect anyways)
Effect of beta blockers
Decreases HR and force of contraction hence cardiac output
Decreases O2 consumption
Uses of beta blockers
Angina - first line treatment apart from CCB
Arrhythmias - supraventricular tachycardia and AF - first line treatment
Compensated heart failure
Post MI management
How does beta blockers help with arrhythmias
Decreases excessive sympathetic activity and conduction velocity through AV node
What should you be aware of in using beta blockers for compensated heart failure
Use low doses only
Because some patients may have compensated heart failure by using sympathetic drive