Adrenergic Pharmacology Quiz

Adrenergic Pharmacology

Overview

• Adrenergic pharmacology refers to the study of drugs that interact with the adrenergic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response.
• The adrenergic system is mediated by the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E).

Adrenergic Receptors

• There are two main types of adrenergic receptors: alpha (α) and beta (β).
• Alpha receptors:
  • α1: Vasoconstriction, smooth muscle contraction
  • α2: Inhibition of NE release, platelet aggregation
• Beta receptors:
  • β1: Increased heart rate and contractility
  • β2: Smooth muscle relaxation, bronchodilation
  • β3: Lipolysis, thermogenesis

Adrenergic Agonists

• Direct-acting agonists:
  • Phenylephrine (α1): Vasoconstriction, nasal decongestant
  • Clonidine (α2): Antihypertensive, sedation
  • Isoproterenol (β1/β2): Bronchodilation, cardiac stimulation
• Indirect-acting agonists:
  • Ephedrine: Releases NE, increases heart rate and blood pressure
  • Amphetamine: Releases NE and dopamine, stimulates CNS

Adrenergic Antagonists

• Alpha blockers:
  • Phentolamine: Vasodilation, treatment of hypertension
  • Prazosin: Treatment of hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Beta blockers:
  • Propranolol: Antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic
  • Atenolol: Antihypertensive, treatment of angina

Clinical Applications

• Treatment of hypertension
• Treatment of angina and heart failure
• Treatment of asthma and COPD (bronchodilation)
• Treatment of anaphylaxis (epinephrine)

Adrenergic Pharmacology

• Adrenergic pharmacology is the study of drugs that interact with the adrenergic nervous system, responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response.
• The adrenergic system is mediated by the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E).

Adrenergic Receptors

• There are two main types of adrenergic receptors: alpha (α) and beta (β).
• Alpha receptors have two subtypes: α1 and α2.
• Alpha 1 receptors cause vasoconstriction and smooth muscle contraction.
• Alpha 2 receptors inhibit NE release and cause platelet aggregation.
• Beta receptors have three subtypes: β1, β2, and β3.
• Beta 1 receptors increase heart rate and contractility.
• Beta 2 receptors cause smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.
• Beta 3 receptors cause lipolysis and thermogenesis.

Adrenergic Agonists

• Direct-acting agonists stimulate adrenergic receptors directly.
• Phenylephrine is an α1 agonist that causes vasoconstriction and is used as a nasal decongestant.
• Clonidine is an α2 agonist that is used as an antihypertensive and has sedative properties.
• Isoproterenol is a β1 and β2 agonist that causes bronchodilation and cardiac stimulation.
• Indirect-acting agonists increase the release of NE or stimulate the release of NE and dopamine.
• Ephedrine is an indirect-acting agonist that increases heart rate and blood pressure.
• Amphetamine is an indirect-acting agonist that stimulates the CNS and increases the release of NE and dopamine.

Adrenergic Antagonists

• Alpha blockers are drugs that block alpha receptors.
• Phentolamine is an alpha blocker that causes vasodilation and is used to treat hypertension.
• Prazosin is an alpha blocker that is used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Beta blockers are drugs that block beta receptors.
• Propranolol is a beta blocker that is used to treat hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Atenolol is a beta blocker that is used to treat hypertension and angina.

Clinical Applications

• Adrenergic drugs are used to treat hypertension.
• Adrenergic drugs are used to treat angina and heart failure.
• Adrenergic drugs are used to treat asthma and COPD by causing bronchodilation.
• Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylaxis.

Test your knowledge of adrenergic pharmacology, including the adrenergic nervous system, adrenergic receptors and their functions.