Sketchy Pharm: Cholinomimetics

Question 1

Cholinomimetics mimic ____________; they are also called parasympathomimetics.

Answer 1

acetylcholine (“enjoy an acetyl-Cola”)

Question 2

The Gq receptors couple to the ________ pathway.

Answer 2

IP3-DAG (think of the three dogs riding with the man on the motorcycle)

Question 3

Where do M2 muscarinic channels affect the heart?

Answer 3

The atria – specifically through the SA and AV nodes (think of the girl with the lower part of her jacket torn off)

Question 4

Where do M3 channels exist?

Answer 4

The smooth muscles and glands (think of the rear-most motorcycle rider with the smooth-muscle paint job and glandular sponge)

Question 5

Why does M3 activation lead to vasodilation?

Answer 5

Because the receptor also activates NO; without this (such as in the case of endothelial cell damage) muscarinic agonists do lead to vasoconstriciton

Question 6

In what circumstances do you administer bethanecol?

Answer 6

For non-obstructive bowel and bladder disorders (such as post-op ileus, megacolon, or neurogenic bladder); think of beth the construction worker pouring cement next to the “do not obstruct” sign

Question 7

Muscarinic agonists _________ intraocular pressure.

Answer 7

reduce

Question 8

What is the main use of pilocarpine?

Answer 8

Stimulate salivary glands (useful for those with Sjögren’s or radiation damage) and reduce IOP for glaucoma

Question 9

What cholinergic receptors does carbacol stimulate?

Answer 9

Both nicotinic and muscarinic – think of the guy inhaling the cigarette smoke from below while looking at the motorcycles

Question 10

In addition to aggravating asthma and COPD, what disorder can cholinomimetics aggravate?

Answer 10

Peptic ulcer disease (think of methacholine)