The Adrenergic System Flashcards
Why are agonists and antagonists of the adrenergic receptors made? How are they made?
Given the diversity of receptors and tissue distribution, it would be desirable to make agonists and antagonists of adrenergic receptors that are receptor specific and therefore tissue specific
This is done primarily done by producing analogues of the endogenous ligand that increases potency at the desired receptor while decreasing potency at undesired receptors (if possible)
Describe the potency of beta 2 selective agonists
The beta2 selective agonist has very high potency for beta 2 and low potency at other adrenergic receptors. The result is only beta 2 receptor effects (like bronchodilation) are observed at low doses.
However, at very high doses, beta 1 receptor effects can be observed (like increased heart rate). At sufficiently high doses, effects from alpha receptors can also be observed
What G alpha proteins do alpha receptors act on?
Alpha 1: G alpha q
Alpha 2: G alpha i
What are the tissue locations fro alpha receptors?
Alpha 1: arterioles, pupils, liver, GI smooth muscle
Alpha 2: Presynaptic (autoreceptor), platelets
What are the functions of alpha receptors?
Alpha 1: vasoconstriction (increase BP), pupil dilation, glycogenolysis, relax GI smooth muscle
Alpha 2: presynaptic inhibition (i.e., inhibit neurotransmitter release), platelet aggregation
What are the cellular effects of alpha1 receptors?
Activate PLC gamma, which increases IP3 and DAG, increases intracellular calcium, decreases potassium outflow
Results: excitation
What are the cellular effects of alpha 2 receptors?
Inhibit adenylate cyclase, which decrease cAMP, intracellular calcium and increase potassium outflow
Results: inhibition
What are the ligands of alpha receptors?
Noradrenaline
Adrenaline
What G alpha proteins do beta receptors act on?
G alpha s
What are the tissue locations of beta receptors?
Beta1: heart and GI smooth muscle
Beta2: lungs, muscle blood vessels, liver, GI smooth muscle, skeletal muscle
Beta3: adipose tissue
What are the functions of beta receptors?
Beta1: Increase heart rate, increase force of contraction, relax smooth muscle
Beta2: bronchodilation, vasodilation, glycogenolysis, smooth muscle relaxation, muscle tremor
Beta3: lipolysis
What are the cellular effects of beta1 receptors?
Activation of adenylate cyclase, which increase cAMP, calcium store in ER
Results: excitation
What are the cellular effects of beta2 receptors?
Activation of adenylate cyclase, which increases cAMP
Results: excitation
What are the cellular effects of beta3 receptors?
Activation of adenylate cyclase, which increases cAMP
Results: excitation
What are the ligands of beta receptors?
Beta 1 and 3: noradrenaline and adrenaline
Beta 2: adrenaline
What are the 3 ways to eliminate signal from NA?
Reuptake at synapse (this is the most important mechanism for the elimination of NA signal) Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT; a major reason NA and A are not orally bioavailable. This is a phase II metabolism enzyme) Monoamine oxidase (MOA; this is a phase I metabolism enzyme but NOT a CYP enzyme)
What are MOPEG and VMA?
MOPEG and VMA are the main metabolites of NA and A and they are conjugated before excretion
Describe MAO
Found in the mitochondria of presynaptic terminal
Removal of N eliminates activity
Describe COMT
Found in the synapse
Always adds the methyl group in the meta position
This reduces the activity
What is the relative potency of noradrenaline?
High potency for alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta 1 receptors
No potency for beta 2
What is the relative potency of adrenaline?
Moderate potency for alpha receptors
High potency for beta receptors