SNS Agonists Flashcards
Most sympathetic post-ganglionic neurones release noradrenaline. State two exceptions.
Adrenal medulla – adrenaline (80%) and noradrenaline (20%)
Sweat glands – acetylcholine
State the difference between directly and indirectly acting sympathomimetics.
Directly acting – binds to the adrenoceptor and mimic the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline by stimulating the receptors
Indirectly acting – inhibits the uptake and breakdown systems leading to the accumulation of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft
Describe the mechanism of action of the four different types of adrenoceptor.
ALL adrenoceptors are G-protein coupled
Alpha 1 = Gq
Alpha 2 = Gi (inhibitory)
Beta 1 + Beta 2 = Gs
State the main actions of beta-1 receptors.
HEART – increase heart rate + increase contractility
KIDNEYS – increase renin release -> increase blood pressure
Lipolysis
State the main actions of beta-2 receptors.
Bronchodilation
Hepatic glucose output – glycogenolysis + gluconeogenesis
Vasodilation of vessels to skeletal muscle
Relaxation of the uterus (in women)
State some effects that are mediated by both alpha and beta-receptors.
Exocrine secretions (e.g. salivary gland secretions become thick) GIT motility – decreased muscle motility and tone + contraction of sphincters
What receptors are responsible for the production of aqueous humour by the ciliary body?
Beta receptors
State some effects of alpha-1 receptors.
Mydriasis (contraction of radial muscles of the iris)
Vasoconstriction
Constriction of trigone and sphincter in the bladder
Increased motility and tone of the ureters
Stimulates ejaculation (in males)
Lacrimation
Contraction of pilomotor muscle + increased localised secretion of sweat glands e.g. palm of hands
Hepatic glucose output (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis)
Lipolysis
What is the principle action of beta-blockers?
KIDNEYS – it inhibits the beta-1 mediated increase in renin secretion It also decreases heart rate and contractility but its main action in reducing blood pressure is through the kidneys
Describe the relative selectivity of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Noradrenaline is more selective for ALPHA-receptors Adrenaline is more selective for BETA-receptors
(Nora = Mora -A)
Describe the action of pre-synaptic alpha-2 receptors.
Pre-synaptic alpha-2 receptors have a negative influence on noradrenaline synthesis and release
State five directly acting SNS agonists.
Phenylephrine – alpha-1 Clonidine – alpha-2 Dobutamine – beta-1 Salbutamol – beta-2 Isoprenaline – beta 1 + beta 2
Describe the development of hypersensitivity following first exposure.
After the first exposure you generate antibodies to the antigen and these circulate around the body and bind to mast cells. In the subsequent exposure, the mast cells are primed with the antibody on its surface. Cross-linking of these antibodies on the surface of mast cells causes massive release of the stored mediators leading to the symptoms of hypersensitivity.
State some symptoms of hypersensitivity.
Increase in capillary permeability leads to increased movement of fluid into the tissues. This depletes the circulating fluid volume leading to a drop in blood pressure -> ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK (and collapse the circulatory system leading to unconsciousness) This can also lead to contraction of bronchial smooth muscle and constriction of muscles around the throat causing respiratory distress. It can also constrict GI smooth muscle causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
Why is adrenaline more effective than noradrenaline in dealing with hypersensitivity?
During hypersensitivity reaction, priority BREATHING. Adrenaline is more selective for beta receptors than noradrenaline, meaning more beta-2 mediated bronchodilation, opening up the airways/
Adrenaline also stimulates the heart via beta-1, supports BP. It also acts on alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction and increase TPR and BP. Adrenaline also slows down histamine release from mast cells via beta-2.
(HYDROCORTISONE GIVEN ALONGSIDE AS SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT SOMETIMES)