PNP Minimodule Review (39b - 42b) Flashcards
Bless Silinsky
What are the therapeutic uses for neostigmine?
Neostigmine = cholinesterase inhibitor
- Skeletal NMJ
- Treat myasthenia gravis
- Reverse a non-depolarizing blocker after surgery
- Autonomic (theoretically enhances transmission at the parasympathetic muscarinic receptor, but rarely used)
- Glaucoma therapy
- Treat urinary retention
- Treat GI stasis
Which adrenergic receptors are activated by epinephrine?
What are the effects?
Epinephrine acts on all adrenergic receptors
- α1 -> vasoconstriction
- α2 -> inhibition of cellular functions
- β1 -> stimulates the heart
- β2 -> relax smooth muscle
- Note: This effect is at odds with α1 vasoconstriction; α1 effect will prevail at high doses
- β3 -> relax smooth muscle
What kind of drug is clonidine?
What is it used for?
Clonidine is a selective alpha-2 agonist (adrenergic)
Inhibits sympathetic outflow from CNS to periphery
- Antihypertensive
- Treat opioid withdrawal
Note: applies to other -onidines
Which agent cleaves synaptobrevin?
What is it used for?
Botox B
Used to treat muscle spasms in the neck (cervical dystonia)
What is the mechanism of rocuronium?
Nondepolarizing blocker at the NMJ
(post-synaptic agent)
What enzyme degrades ACh in the NMJ?
Cholinesterase
Which agent cleaves SNARE SNAP-25? What is the effect?
Botox A -> Reduced muscle contraction
- Cleaves SNARE SNAP-25 near synaptotagmin’s Ca2+ binding site
- -> If synaptotagmin cannot bind Ca2+, the vesicle cannot release ACh into the nerve terminal
- -> Muscle twitch not initiated
What kind of drug is physostigmine?
What is it used for?
Reversible Cholinesterase inhibitor (indirect-acting parasympathomimetic)
Atropine poisoning
(Not a good antidote for irreversible anti-ChE poisioning!)
What are the contraindications for propranolol?
- Asthma
- Causes vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction
- Diabetes
- Propranolol masks signs of hypoglycemia and decreases glycogenolysis
How is anticholinesterase toxicity treated?
Anticholinesterase toxicity is due to nerve gas or insecticide poisoning
- Decontaminate the patinet
- Give Atropine - blocks excessive muscarinic activity (autonomic)
- Give 2-PAM (or other -oxine) - reactivates ChE (skeletal muscle)
- Lifts the phosphoryl group from ChE, must be used quickly - Artificial respiration
- Anticonvulsants
Effect on the GI tract (muscle wall) of:
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Sympathetic stimulation: Relaxation
- Not ideal to poop yourself during fight or flight response
- Parasympathetic stimulation: Contraction
What is the effect of inhibiting Uptake-1?
- Increased NE effect -> adrenergic receptor activation
- NE stays in the nerve terminal longer
- Tyramine has no effect
- Cannot get into the nerve terminal
Which drug is used to treat premature labor?
Terbutaline
(injectable beta-2 agonist)
After a patient has received vecuronium or rocuronium as a neuromuscular blocker during surgery, what result from the “train of 4” indicates that:
- 80% of receptors are blocked?
- 90% of receptors are blocked?
- 80% of receptors are blocked = 2/4 twitches
- Twitch, twitch, no, no
- 90% of receptors are blocked = 1/4 twitches
- Twitch, no, no, no
What is the general effect of alpha-2 receptors in the CNS?
Alpha-2 activation reduces sympathetic tone
Example: Clonidine in the CNS activates alpha-2 receptors ->
- Decreased beta-1 action in the heart
- Decreased release of of NE from nerve terminal sthat innervate the heart
- Decreased alpha-1 vasoconstriction in the blood vessels
What kind of drug is propranolol?
What is it used for?
Nonselective beta-1 and beta-2 blocker
Also blocks renin release
Used to treat:
- Hypertension
- Arrhythmia
- Angina
- Pheochromocytoma
- Stage fright
- Prophylaxis for migraine headaches
- Acute phase of thyrotoxicosis
Which anticholinergic is used for anti-ChE poisoining?
Atropine
What are the autonomic responses to tactile or visual sexual stimulation?
Parasympathetic response
Erection and mucous secretion (both male and female)
How is NE (sympathetic) signaling terminated?
Reuptake into the nerve terminal by Uptake 1
- High affinity, low capacity
- Inhibited by tricyclic antidepressants, cocaine, ritalin
Alternative pathway: reuptake into the effector cell
- Low affinity, high capacity
Which drugs may be used for intubation in the early stage of anesthesia?
Succinylcholine (depolarizing)
Rocuronium (nondepolarizing)
List the components of the fusion machine
- 3 SNARE proteins that anchor the vesicle to the nerve plasma membrane
- Syntaxin (Plasma membrane)
- SNAP-25 (Plasma membrane)
- Synaptobrevin (Vesicular)
- One Ca2+ sensing protein
- Synaptotagmin (Vesicular)
What kind of drug is dobutamine?
What is it used for?
Selective Beta-1 agonist
Low doses selectively increase the force of cardiac contraction without increasing heart rate
- Acute heart failure
- Increase cardiac output
- Bridge to heart transplant
- Stress EKG
- High doses increase HR for patients who cannot exercise
What kind of drug is phentolamine?
What is it used for?
Nonselective reversible alpha blocker
- Treat hypertension:
- Crisis due to tyramine/MAO inhibition
- Paroxysms in pheochromocytoma
(Competitive antagonist)
Describe the differences in observed muscle twitches with depolarizing vs. nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers
- Depolarizing blocker
- Smaller amplitude, but no decline with sustained stimulation
- Nondepolarizing blocker
- Neuromuscular depression: repetitive stimulation results in progressive decline in twitch amplitude
What innervates eccrine sweat glands?
What do they control?
Sympathetic cholinergics
Sweating for temperature regulation
(apocrine sweat glands that respond to sex and stress are not innervated; they respond to EPI released from the adrenal medulla)
What kind of drug is parathion?
What is it used for?
How is it metabolized?
Irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor
- Used as an insecticide
- Metabolized by CYP3A4
- Not great for us; malathion is safer because it is metabolized by carboxylases, leaving CYP3A4 to do its thing
Describe the effect of intracardiac epinephrine on BP, HR, and SV
Increased BP, HR, and SV
- Beta-1 effect = direct action at the SA node
- Increase HR, SV
- Increased SV -> Increased BP
- No beta-2 effect on peripheral vessels with intracardiac Epi
- Alpha-1 effect in the heart
- Vasoconstriction, further increases in BP
- Reflex bradycardia kicks in as the dose of Epi begins to wane
Key: direct beta-1 effect wins at first, but as Epi wears off, the barostatic reflex takes over to decrease HR (reflex bradycardia)
What enzymes metabolize norepinephrine?
Why do we need these enzymes?
- MAO
- In nerve terminal and effector cells
- COMT
- In the effector cell
- Works on NE and Epi
Even though NE signal termination is via Uptake-1, MAO is necessary to metabolize exogenous amines (ex: tyrosine from diet)
What is the effect of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) on the neuromuscular junction?
Decreased ACh release -> Difficulty initiating muscle contraction
- This is a presynaptic deficit due to fewer P/Q type Ca2+ channels in the nerve ending
- This results in:
- Smaller EPPs
- No change in MEPPs
- Normal response to exogenous ACh
vs. Myasthenia Gravis, a post-synaptic deficit that results in smaller EPPs, MEPPs, and no response to exogenous ACh
What kind of drug is cevimeline?
What is it used for?
Direct parasympathomimetic
(Directly activates parasympathetic muscarinics)
Used to treat patinets with Sjogren’s syndrome
Effect on the spleen of:
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Sympathetic stimulation: Contraction
- Parasympathetic stimulation: no direct effect
Which catecholamine antagonists can be used to treat pheochromocytoma?
- Phenoxybenzamine (management)
- Phentolamine (hypertensive paroxysms)
What is the effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on the NMJ?
Describe the mechanism
Decreased muscle contraction
- Presynaptic mechanism - irreversible
- Botox A cleave SNARE SNAP-25 near the Ca2+ binding site of synaptotagmin
- As a result, Ca2+ cannot bind to and activate the fusion machinery
- ACh cannot be released
-
Decreased EPP, MEPP unchanged
- Resembles LEMS
What is the result of beta-2 activation?
Relaxation of smooth muscle
-> Decreased TPR, BP
Note: NE does not act on beta-2 receptors
NE acts on alpha-1 receptors, increases TPR, BP
What is the treatment for botulinum toxicity?
- If the toxin is circulating
- Heptavalent antitoxin
- If the toxin is bound or internalized into the nerve endings:
- Artificial respiration
- (it’s too late for the antitoxin to work)
Effect on the bronchioles of:
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Sympathetic stimulation: Dilation
- Parasympathetic stimulation: Constriction
What is the effect of beta-3 activation?
Bladder relaxation
Fat cell stimulation
Note: NE, Epi, ISO are all nonspecific beta-3 agonists
What are nondepolarizing NMJ blockers used for clinically?
Muscle relaxant for the duration of surgery
Orthopedic manipulations
What are the clinical uses of succinylcholine?
- Early phase of anesthesia for intubation
- Emergency intubation
**Not to be used for the duration of surgery**
What kind of drug is sarin?
Irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor
Sarin = nerve gas
What are the clinical indications for cholinesterase inhibitors?
Myasthenia Gravis
Overcome inhibition due to nondepolaring block (after surgery)
Effect on the GI tract (sphincter) of:
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Sympathetic stimulation: Constriction
- Would be bad if we pooped ourselves during fight or flight response
- Parasympathetic stimulation: Relaxation
List 3 selective beta-1 blockers and their uses
- Metoprolol
- “propranolol but for asthmatics”
- Treat HTN, arrhythma, angina, etc
- Betaxolol
- “Timolol but for asthmatics”
- Treat glaucoma (decrease AH production)
- Labetalol
- Hypertensive crisis
- Pheochromocytoma
- HTN in pregnancy
What is the mechanism of Botox B?
Cleaves synaptobrevin
(synaptobrevin is part of the fusion machinery that primes the ACh vesicle to release its contents into the NMJ)
Under what conditions does ACh secreted by the post synaptic parasympathetic neuron activate the nicotinic receptor in the parasympathetic ganglion?
If the patient has had an irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor
- -> ACh overload; ACh is not being hydrolyzed by ChE, and it builds up and begins to activate the post-ganglionic neuron
- -> Positive feedback loop
Additionally, skeletal muscle begins acting like it’s in a Phase I-Phase II block at the NMJ
What kind of drug is diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP)?
Irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor
Used as pesticide or nerve gas
Effect on the piloerectors of:
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Sympathetic stimulation: contraction
- Parasympathetic stimulation: No direct effect
What is the action of nicotine at the NMJ?
Depolarizing blocker
What components achieve the effect on the right?
- # 1 (nerve):
- # 2 (neurotransmitter):
- # 3 (parasympathetic or sympathetic?):
What is the effect?
- # 1 (nerve): Oculomotor nerve
- Synapses with parasympathetics in the ciliary ganglion
- # 2 (neurotransmitter): ACh
- # 3 (parasympathetic or sympathetic?): Parasympathetic
The release of ACh causes the sphincter pupilae (blue) to constrict, resulting in miosis
What mechanisms are at play during a Phase II block at the NMJ?
Phase II Block = Block by desensitization
- ACh cannot bind to the nicotinic receptor because SUX is still occupying it, and it is desensitized to ACh
- However, the channel is le tired and is no longer letting ions through. This allows the membrane to repolarize, and voltag-gated Na+ channels to recover
Note: in a phase 1 block, the nonspecific cation channel stays open, resulting in persistent depolarization that prevents the voltage-gated Na+ channels to recover
What kind of drug is Latanoprost? (and other -prosts)
What is it used for?
What are the side effects?
Prostaglandin analogues
- Increases aqueous humor outflow through the uveal-scleral route
Side effects:
- Irreversible darkening of the iris and eyelashes
- Growth of eyelashes and eyebrows
Which adrenergic receptors are activated by norepinephrine?
What are the effects?
Norepinephrine acts on all adrenergic receptors except β2
- α1 -> vasoconstriction
- α2 -> inhibition of cellular functions
- β1 -> stimulates the heart
- β3 -> relax smooth muscle
What are the contraindications for succinylcholine?
- Arrhythmia
- Liver disease or genetic cholinesterase deficiency
**Never use for the duration of surgery**
Effect on the Urinary bladder (sphincter/trigone) of:
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Sympathetic stimulation: Contraction
- Parasympathetic stimulation: Relaxation
There are two “correct” sequences for the use of neuromuscular agents during surgery
Describe them
Typical:
- Succinylcholine for intubation
- Vecuronium
- 2/4 twitches in “train of 4” => 80% of receptors are blocked
- Neostigmine for recovery
- Recovery is complete when 4/4 twitches in the “train of 4” are observed
Alternative:
- Rocuronium infusion for intubation and duration of surgery
- 1/4 twitches in “train of 4” => 90% of receptors are blocked
- Sugammadex for recovery
- Recovery is complete when 4/4 twitches in the “train of 4” are observed
What is the rate limiting step of the synthesis of catecholamines?
Tyrosine -> DOPA
Catalyzed by tyrosine hydroxylase
What are the contraindications for bethanechol?
To stay HAPII when using Bethanechol, remember to avoid giving it to people with:
- Hyperthyroid -> arrhythmia
- Asthma
- Peptic ulcers (increases gastric acid secretion)
- Intestinal or bladder obstruction
- IV or IM administration -> shock
Remember: Bethanechol = direct parasympathomimetic
What kind of drug is mirabegron?
What is it used for?
Selective beta-3 agonist
Used to treat overactive bladder
- As effective as muscarinic antagonists, but without the anti-muscarinic side effects
How will the following deficits affect EPPs and MEPPs in the NMJ?
- Presynaptic deficit
- Postsynaptic deficit
-
Presynaptic deficit
- EPP - smaller
- MEPP - no change
- Spontaneously released ACh vesicles still have an effect on the post-synpatic membrane (MEPP); the issue is that there is a problem with the coordinated release of a large number of ACh vesicles (decreased EPP)
- *Exception: black widow spider venom -> barrage of MEPPs, summing to EPPs
-
Postsynaptic deficit
- EPP - smaller
- MEPP - smaller
- Neither spontaneous or coordinated ACh vesicle release will have an effect on the non-working post-synaptic membrane
Describe the effect of inhibiting Uptake-1
Increased NE signaling (mostly sympathetic)
- Note: eccrine sweating will not increase; this is mediated by sympathetic cholinergics
Describe the signs and symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity
Anticholinergic toxicity = atropine poisoning
-
Dry as a bone
- Decreased secretions
- Urinary retention
-
Hot as a stove
- Decreased sweating due to blocked sympathetic cholinergics
-
Red as a beet
- Cutaneous vasodilation due to histamine release
- Compensatory due to increased temperature
-
Blind as a bat
- Mydriasis
- Cycloplegia (cannot constrict cilliary body to accomodate)
-
Mad as a hatter
- Delerium
- Hallucinations
- Coma
- Death eventually
Treat with gastric lavage, activated charcoal, physostigmine
What are the therapeutic uses of isoproterenol?
Not widely used, but can work on:
- Bradycardia
- Asthma
What kind of drug is pyridostigmine?
What is it used for?
Cholinesterase inhibitor -> enhances transmission at parasympathetic muscarinics and skeletal NMJ
(Indirect-acting parasympathomimetic)
- Useful at bedtime to treat myasthenia gravis
Which adrenergic agent has this effect?
Isoproterenol
- Beta-2 receptors activated -> vasodilation
- Decrease diastolic pressure due to decreased TPR
- Beta-1 receptors activated -> increase systolic pressure
- Effect on heart muscle contractility
- Beta-1 direct simulation + reflex to decreased TPR -> tachycardia
What kind of drug is an -afil?
(sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, avanafil)
What are they used for?
PDE-5 inhibitors
Inhibit cGMP degradation -> increased smooth muscle relaxation -> blood flow to corpus cavernosum
Used to treat erectile dysfunction
Which nondepolarizing blockers are used clinically?
- Vecuronium
- Rocuronium
- Faster acting than vecuronium
Both have intermediate duration, no CV effects, and do not cause histamine release
What kind of drug is malthion?
What is it used for?
How is it metabolized?
Irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor
- Used as an insecticide
- Metabolized by carboxylases (higher animals only)
- Safer than parathion, which is metabolized by CYP3A4
- Can still produce SLUD syndrome in high doses
What kind of agent is chloropyrifos?
What is it used for?
Irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor
- WIDELY used as an insecticide
What is the affect of aminoglycoside antibiotics at the NMJ?
Describe the mechanism
Decresed muscle contraction
- Presynaptic mechanism
- Aminoglycosides inhibit Ca2+ entry into the nerve ending
- This prevents activation of the fusion machinery, resulting in decreased ACh release
- Smaller EPP, no change in MEPP
What change in the structure of ACh results in specificity for muscarinic receptors?
Methylation of the beta carbon
- Allows cholinergic agents to specifically target parasympathetic pathways, rather than cross-reacting with nicotinic pathways (ganglionic, skeletal NMJ)
What kind of drug is edrophonium?
What is it used for?
Short-acting, reversible cholinesterase inhibitor; too short to have any value for treatment
Used to test for myasthenia gravis
This image (bottom half) is characteristic of what kind of neuromuscular blocker?
Phase I block of a depolarizing blocer
(Succinylcholine, Acetylcholine)
- All twitches are smaller than normal muscle
- There is no decline with repeated twitches
- Unless it progresses to a phase II block - then we see decline