Autonomic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Drugs

A type of acetylcholine receptor found in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) at synapses between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons. It is also found in skeletal muscles, but the structure is different.

A drug that blocks the effects of acetylcholine at nicotinic receptors in the ANS. It does not affect skeletal muscle.

A type of acetylcholine receptor found in the parasympathetic nervous system (PaNS) at synapses between postganglionic neurons and effector organs. It is a G-protein coupled receptor.

A drug that activates muscarinic receptors, mimicking the effects of parasympathetic stimulation.

Present in the stomach and salivary glands. It is a Gq receptor, activating phospholipase C (PLC) leading to increased secretion.

Present in cardiac muscle. It is a Gi receptor, inhibiting adenylyl cyclase, reducing cAMP levels and decreasing heart rate.

Present in smooth muscle (e.g. eyes, bronchi) and exocrine glands. It is a Gq receptor, activating PLC, leading to smooth muscle contraction and increased secretions.

A condition caused by ingesting mushrooms containing muscarine, resulting in excessive stimulation of muscarinic receptors.

A type of cholinergic receptor that is activated by acetylcholine (ACh), primarily responsible for parasympathetic nerve responses.

A drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, effectively reducing the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.

A medication that stimulates muscarinic receptors, mimicking the effects of acetylcholine and causing parasympathetic responses.

A group of drugs that block the breakdown of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This leads to an increase in acetylcholine levels at synapses.

A family of G-protein coupled receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline). They are found throughout the body and play a crucial role in the sympathetic nervous system.

A type of adrenoceptor that is activated by norepinephrine and causes smooth muscle contraction, such as vasoconstriction.

A type of adrenoceptor that is activated by norepinephrine and is involved in vasoconstriction, inhibition of norepinephrine release, and reducing sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system.

A type of adrenoceptor that is activated by norepinephrine and is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility.

A type of adrenergic receptor that activates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP levels. It is involved in smooth muscle relaxation and lipolysis.

Adrenergic agonists are drugs that stimulate adrenergic receptors, mimicking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline. They can be further classified based on the specific adrenergic receptor they target.

Adrenergic antagonists, also called blockers, inhibit the effects of adrenergic receptors by blocking the binding of adrenaline and noradrenaline. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

A type of adrenergic receptor that causes vasoconstriction, primarily through α1 receptors. It plays a role in regulating blood pressure and has other applications in medicine, such as nasal decongestant.

A type of adrenergic receptor that causes vasodilation through α1 receptors. It is used to treat conditions like hypertension and BPH by relaxing smooth muscle in blood vessels and the prostate.

A type of adrenergic receptor that increases heart rate and contractility, primarily through β1 receptors. It is used to treat conditions like heart failure and anaphylactic shock, where the heart needs to pump more efficiently.

A type of adrenergic receptor that causes bronchodilation through β2 receptors, relaxing the smooth muscle of the bronchi. It is used to treat conditions like asthma, where the airways are constricted.

A type of adrenergic receptor that slows down the heart rate, primarily through β1 receptors. It is used to treat various conditions, including hypertension, angina, and anxiety.

Drugs that prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine (NA) by neurons, increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft.

Drugs that block the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which breaks down norepinephrine (NA) in neurons, leading to increased NA levels.

Drugs that are structurally similar to norepinephrine (NA) and can displace NA from its storage vesicles, leading to increased NA release.

A side effect of MAO inhibitors where consumption of tyramine-rich foods (like cheese) can cause severe increases in blood pressure due to the interaction of tyramine with MAO inhibition.

Desipramine is an antidepressant, while cocaine is a local anesthetic.

Moclobemide is a mild MAO inhibitor, while phenelzine is a stronger one.

Amphetamine is a stimulant, ephedrine is a nasal decongestant, and tyramine is found in aged cheese.

NAT inhibitors can also affect dopamine and serotonin transporters, leading to side effects like euphoria and excitement. MAO inhibitors can also lead to increased dopamine and serotonin levels, causing side effects like restlessness and insomnia.