Week 8 - CNS Analgesics

Question 1

What are the two main classes of analgesics?

Answer 1

• opiod analgesics

- NSAIDs

Question 2

What are the mechanism of actions for opioid analgesics?

Answer 2

Act at specific receptors

• mu (μ)
• delta (δ)
• kappa (κ)

Question 3

What are the characteristics of mu receptors?

Answer 3

• endogenous ligand = enkephalin
• CNS effects = analgesia, euphoria, sedation, respiratory depression, cough reflex inhibition.
• Peripheral effects = inhibition of gut motility, vasodilation

Question 4

What are the characteristics of delta receptors?

Answer 4

• endogenous ligand = enkephalin
• Distributed in the CNS
• Effects of stimulation = analgesia

Question 5

What are the characteristics of kappa receptors?

Answer 5

• endogenous ligands = dynorphin
• Distributed = CNS, peripheral tissues
• CNS effects = analgesia, diuresis, dysphoria