Adrenergic Agonists Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to adrenergic agonists as discussed in the lecture.

Adrenergic agonists

Drugs that activate adrenergic receptors stimulated by norepinephrine (noradrenaline) or epinephrine. (adrenaline).

Sympathomimetics

Drugs that activate adrenergic receptors.

Sympatholytics

Drugs that block activation of adrenergic receptors.

Direct-acting agonists

Sympathomimetics that directly activate adrenergic receptors.

Indirect-acting agonists

Drugs that enhance release or block reuptake of norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine

Primary neurotransmitter released by adrenergic neurons.

Synaptic vesicles

Structures that store norepinephrine in the presynaptic neuron.

cAMP

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a second messenger involved in adrenergic receptor signaling.

α-Adrenoceptors

Receptors responsive to epinephrine and norepinephrine, divided into subtypes, including α1 and α2.

β-Adrenoceptors

Receptors responsive primarily to isoproterenol, with subtypes β1, β2, and β3.

Catecholamines

Sympathomimetic amines including epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and dopamine.

Desensitization

Reduced responsiveness of adrenergic receptors following prolonged exposure to catecholamines.

Epinephrine

A catecholamine with significant cardiovascular and bronchodilatory effects.

Isoproterenol

Direct-acting catecholamine stimulating β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors.

Dopamine

Catecholamine that has both positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart.

Albuterol

Short-acting β2 agonist used primarily as a bronchodilator.

Mixed-action agonists

Drugs that stimulate adrenoceptors directly and enhance norepinephrine release.