Poisoning of the CNS

Question 1

True Alkaloids - Groups

Answer 1

1) Tropane Alkaloids
2) Isoquinoline Alkaloids
3) Piperidine Alkaloids

Question 2

Terpenoids - Groups

Answer 2

1) Diterpene derivatives
2) Triterpenoid derivatives (steroidal compounds)
3) Triterpenoid derivatives (non-steroidal compounds)

Question 3

Thiaminase Enzymes in Plants

Answer 3

1) Cleave thiamine (Vitamin B1) molecule
2) Renders them Biologically Inactive
3) Vitamin B1 is essential for many animals (and humans), as they are unable to biosynthesise it
4) Vitamin B1 has a key role in carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism

Question 4

Symptoms and Plants of Thiaminase Enzymes

Answer 4

Weakness, decreased production, milk with bluish colour
Enlarged heart, low heart rate
- Field Horsetail

Question 5

Characteristics of Tropane Alkaloids

Answer 5

1) A tropane ring
2) Solanaceae
3) 2 types - Solanaceous alkaloids + Coca alkaloids

Question 6

Tropane alkaloids: Mechanism of Action

Answer 6

1) Site of action: smooth and cardiac muscle, gland cells, peripheral ganglia and CNS
2) Solanaceous alkaloids = anticholinergics = reducing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting sympathetic predominance
3) Symptoms = 30-60 mins
4) Alkaloids = excreted with urine

Question 7

Symptoms of Tropane Alkaloids

Answer 7

1) Dry Mouth
2) Dilated Pupils
3) High Heart Rate
4) Rapid Breathing
5) Spasms, seizures, death

Question 8

Plants with Tropane Alkaloids

Answer 8

1) Henbane
2) Jimson Weed
3) Deadly Nightshade

Question 9

Characteristics of Isoquinoline Alkaloids

Answer 9

1) Papaveraceae

2) NB derivatives = morphine, codeine, papaverine, and rhoeadine

Question 10

Opioids: Mechanism of Action

Answer 10

1) Opioids bound to the opioid receptors of neurons
2) Close Ca2+ channels and inhibit Ca2+ ions to enter the neurone
3) Open K+ channels = K+ ion efflux
4) Hyperpolariztion occurs = lees likely to fire
5) Suppression of transmission of pain signals

Question 11

Opioids Symptoms

Answer 11

1) Pinpoint pupils
2) Spasms in the stomach and intestinal tract, vomiting
3) Slow and heavy breathing
4) Hallucinations, coma, death

Question 12

Opioid Plants

Answer 12

1) Field Poppy

2) Opium Poppy

Question 13

Characteristics of Piperidine Akaloids

Answer 13

1) Apiaceae
2) Piperidine Ring biosynthesised from Lysine Amino Acid
3) Most NB derivatives are Coniine, Coniceine, and Lobeline

Question 14

Coniine: Mechanism of Action

Answer 14

1) Blocks the Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors in the Neuromuscular Junctions - Paralysis

Question 15

Coniine Symptoms

Answer 15

1) Trembling, movement disorders
2) Uncontrolled Urination
3) Heart rate: first slow, later high
4) Respiration rate becomes low, respiration laboured, and irregular

Question 16

Coniine Plants

Answer 16

Hemlock

Question 17

Terpenoids - Diterpene Derivatives Characteristics

Answer 17

1) Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae

2) Major compounds are Aconitine and Taxus alkaloids

Question 18

Aconitine: Mechanism of Action

Answer 18

1) Makes the Voltage-Gated Na+ ion channels permanently open
2) High Na+ levels in muscle cells inhibits Na+/Ca2+ exchangers
3) Cell membrane cannot be repolarized - paralysis

Question 19

Aconitine Symptoms

Answer 19

1) Sensation of burning
2) Tingling and numbness in the mouth
3) Vomiting
4) Motor weakness; slowing movements
5) Heart and respiration failures - cardiac arrest, death

Question 20

Aconitine Plants

Answer 20

Wolfbane

Question 21

Triterpenoid Derivatives (steroidal compounds)

Answer 21

1) Liliaceae and Solanaceae

2) Steroidal skeleton bounds to N- heterocyclic rings

Question 22

Solanum Alkaloids: Mechanism of Action

Answer 22

1) Acetylcholinesterase enzyme is inhibited by Solanine
2) Na+ channels stay open
3) No new Action Potential
4) No more muscle contractions
5) Paralysis

Question 23

Solanum Alkaloids

Answer 23

Black Nightshade

Question 24

Triterpenoid Derivatives (non-steroidal compounds)

Answer 24

1) Glycosides forming an amphipathic molecule (a saponin)
2) Pentacyclic molecules
3) Non Taxon- Specific Compounds

Question 25

Plants

Answer 25

Corncockle