Adrenergic Pharmacology Flashcards

Flashcards based on lectures covering adrenergic receptors, neurotransmitters, sympathomimetics, and sympatholytics.

What are the three endogenous catecholamine neurotransmitters?

Norepinephrine (NE), Epinephrine (Epi), and Dopamine (DA).

What is the role of Norepinephrine (NE) in the sympathetic nervous system?

It is the major neurotransmitter of postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

What is the primary role of Epinephrine (Epi) in the body?

It is the major hormone of the adrenal medulla.

Which enzyme is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of norepinephrine?

Tyrosine Hydroxylase

What is the effect of amphetamine on NE release?

Increases NE release.

How do Alpha-2 agonists affect NE release?

Decrease NE release.

What are the two main mechanisms for the fate of released norepinephrine?

Neuronal reuptake (Uptake I) and metabolism by MAO and COMT.

How does cocaine affect the action of NE in the synapse?

Cocaine inhibits the reuptake of NE, increasing its action.

What are the two main enzymes involved in enzymatic degradation of catecholamines?

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) and Catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT).

What is the effect of Alpha-1 receptor stimulation on blood vessels?

Vasoconstriction.

What is the effect of Beta-1 receptor stimulation on the heart?

Increases heart rate, conduction velocity, and contractility.

What is the primary effect of Beta-2 receptor stimulation in the bronchioles?

Bronchodilation.

What is the primary mechanism of action of direct adrenergic agonists?

Directly bind to adrenergic receptors.

What is the primary mechanism of action of indirect adrenergic agonists?

Increase NE in the synapse, either by promoting release or inhibiting reuptake.

How does epinephrine affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure at low doses?

Increases systolic blood pressure and decreases diastolic blood pressure.

What is a therapeutic application of norepinephrine?

Treatment of septic shock.

What is a therapeutic use of epinephrine in the context of allergic reactions?

Treatment of anaphylactic shock.

What is a therapeutic application of albuterol (salbutamol)?

Acute asthma attack.

What is a potential adverse effect of Beta-2 agonists?

Tremors.

What cardiovascular effects can result from the use of alpha-1 agonists?

Hypertension and reflex bradycardia.

How does dopamine affect renal blood flow at low doses?

Causes vasodilation, increasing renal blood flow.

What are the primary uses of amphetamine?

Treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.

What is a therapeutic use of pseudoephedrine?

Oral nasal decongestant.

How do beta-blockers affect oxygen demand by the heart?

Decrease oxygen demand by decreasing heart rate and myocardial contractility.

What are the cardiovascular effects of beta-1 blockade?

Decreased heart rate and myocardial contractility, suppression of renin release.

What are the non-cardiovascular effects of Beta-2 blockade?

Bronchoconstriction and inhibition of epinephrine-induced glycogenolysis.

What is the primary difference between selective and non-selective beta blockers?

Cardio-selective beta-blockers primarily block Beta-1 receptors, while non-selective beta-blockers block both Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors.

What conditions are beta-blockers contraindicated for?

Sinus bradycardia and AVN block.

What are the uses of Labetalol?

Hypertensive emergencies, during pregnancy & labor (pre-eclampsia)., acute dissecting aortic aneurysm, Pheochromocytoma

What are the therapeutic uses of propranolol?

Prophylaxis of migraine, thyrotoxicosis, the prophylaxis against bleeding in esophageal varices

What is the mechanism of action of clonidine?

Alpha-2 agonist that decreases central sympathetic outflow and renin release.

For what is Alpha methyl dopa is used?

Antihypertensive especially in Pregnancy.

What are the side effects of Phenoxybenzamine?

Severe Reflex tachycardia, Postural (Orthostatic) hypotension, impaired ejaculation in male, Nasal stuffiness

What are the therapeutic uses of Tamsulosin/Alfuzosin?

To ↓Urinary symptoms in BPH e.g. frequency, urgency& nocturia

2. Minimal effect on blood pressure: so preferred in treatment of BPH in normotensive patients