Autonomic Pharmacology: Cholinergic and Adrenergic Drugs

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to cholinergic and adrenergic pharmacology as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cholinergic drugs

Pharmacological agents that mimic the action of acetylcholine in the autonomic nervous system.

Acetylcholine synthesis

The production of acetylcholine from choline and acetyl-CoA, catalyzed by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT).

Muscarinic receptors

G-protein coupled receptors that respond to acetylcholine and are involved in various physiological functions.

Nicotinic receptors

Ligand-gated ion channels that respond to acetylcholine and are primarily located at neuromuscular junctions and in the autonomic ganglia.

Direct-acting cholinergic agonists

Drugs that bind directly to muscarinic or nicotinic receptors, such as Bethanechol and Pilocarpine.

Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists

Drugs that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased acetylcholine levels, such as Neostigmine and Pyridostigmine.

SLUDGE-M

A mnemonic for the muscarinic overactivation symptoms: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal cramps, Emesis, and Miosis/Bradycardia.

Adrenergic drugs

Pharmacological agents that mimic the action of catecholamines in the sympathetic nervous system.

Catecholamine synthesis

The biochemical process of producing norepinephrine and epinephrine from the amino acid tyrosine.

α1 adrenergic receptor

A receptor that causes vasoconstriction and increase in blood pressure when activated.

β1 adrenergic receptor

A receptor primarily found in the heart, which increases heart rate and contractility upon activation.

β2 adrenergic receptor

A receptor found in the bronchi and skeletal muscles that leads to bronchodilation and vasodilation.

Sympathomimetic drugs

Drugs that stimulate adrenergic receptors, mimicking the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Sympatholytic drugs

Pharmacological agents that inhibit adrenergic receptor activation, often used to treat hypertension.

Common side effects of β-blockers

Bradycardia, bronchospasm, and fatigue due to the blockade of adrenergic receptors.

Clinical application of Pyridostigmine

Used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis to enhance neuromuscular transmission.

Organophosphate poisoning

A condition caused by exposure to organophosphate chemicals, leading to excessive acetylcholine accumulation due to AChE inhibition.