PNS/ANS (year 2) Flashcards
what is the neurotransmitter released at neuromuscular junctions?
acetylcholine
what do cholinergic drugs do?
inhibit, enhance, or mimic the action of acetylcholine
what are the two types of acetylcholine receptors?
muscarinic and nicotinic
what do adrenergic drugs do?
inhibit, enhance, or mimic the action of (nor)adrenaline
name the catecholamines
adrenaline and noradrenaline
what are the types of catecholamine postsynaptic receptors?
alpha (1/2) and beta (1/2/3)
where are alpha1 receptors mainly found?
sympathetic target tissue
where are alpha2 receptors mainly found?
GI tract and pancreas
where are beta1 receptors mainly found?
heart muscle
where are beta2 receptors mainly found?
blood vessels and smooth muscle
what are two groups of drugs that could be used on the somatic nervous system?
neuromuscular blocking drugs
anticholinesterases
what drug is used in the management of skeletal muscle spasms?
dantrolene
what is the mechanism of action of dantrolene?
uncouples excitation/contraction by preventing the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
how is dantrolene administered?
orally or injectable
what is the main adverse effect of dantrolene?
muscle weakness that may effect the respiratory muscles
what are the two mechanism of action of neuromuscular blocking drugs?
depolarising blocking agents
non-depolarising blocking agents
what is the mechanism of action of depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents?
these are agonists of acetylcholine but have a longer duration of effect. They cause calcium to be taken up by the sarcoplasmic reticulum causing relaxation, then when Ach binds there is no calcium for contraction
what is the mechanism of action of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents?
competitive agonists
which neuromuscular blocking drugs are reversible?
non-depolarising by acetylcholinesterase drugs
when are neuromuscular blocking drugs used?
in combination with anaesthetic drugs to provide muscle relaxation during surgery
what are the adverse effects of depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents?
bradycardia, muscle pain due to initial muscle fasciculations
what are the adverse effects of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents?
hypotension
what is the mechanism of action of anticholinesterases?
acetylcholinesterase usually rapidly hydrolyses acetylcholine before much of it reaches a receptor, this prevents the hydrolysis allowing more action potentials
what are two examples of anticholinesterases?
edrophonium
organophospahte
what are the main uses of anticholinesterases?
antagonisms of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockers
treat myasthenia gravis
what are the adverse effects of anticholinesterases?
effect central cholinergic receptors leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation
can lead to muscle cramps, bradycardia, hypotension, miosis, bronchoconstriction
what neurotransmitter do all preganglionic neurones of the ANS release?
acetylcholine
what neurotransmitter do all postganglionic neurones of the parasympathetic system release?
acetylcholine
what are the classes of drug that effect cholinergic transmission?
muscarinic agonist/antagonist
neuromuscular blocking drugs
ganglion stimulating/blocking drugs
anticholinesterase
what is the mechanism of action of muscarinic agonists?
stimulate postganglionic muscarinic receptors