Autonomic Nervous System: Neurotransmitters and Receptors

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What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

To stimulate high energy functions

To relax the body and inhibit high energy functions (correct)

To control the sympathetic nervous system

To regulate the autonomic nervous system

Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with the sympathetic nervous system?

Serotonin

Dopamine

Norepinephrine (correct)

Acetylcholine

What type of receptors are activated by acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Beta receptors

Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors (correct)

Alpha receptors

Cholinergic receptors

What is the effect of cholinesterase on acetylcholine?

It rapidly hydrolyzes acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following choline esters is most resistant to hydrolysis by cholinesterase?

Bethanechol Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the β-methyl group on the potency of choline esters at nicotinic receptors?

It reduces the potency Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Edrophonium and the carbamates as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase?

They are reversible inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is used to treat organophosphorus poisoning?

Pralidoxime (PAM) Signup and view all the answers

What is the receptor selectivity of a drug dependent on?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Tacrine?

Treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an alpha2 adrenergic receptor agonist?

Clonidine Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a drug's ability to bind preferentially to one subgroup of receptors at concentrations too low to interact extensively with another subgroup?

Receptor selectivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of catecholamines that makes them subject to inactivation by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)?

Presence of –OH groups on the benzene ring Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increasing the size of alkyl substituents on the amino group of catecholamines?

Increases β-receptor activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of sympathomimetic drugs known as catecholamines?

Presence of –OH groups on the benzene ring Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the absence of one or both –OH groups on the phenyl ring of catecholamines?

Increases bioavailability after oral administration and prolongs the duration of action Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of ephedrine and amphetamine that distinguishes them from catecholamines?

Oral activity and prolonged duration of action Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of direct-acting sympathomimetic drugs like catecholamines?

Mimic sympathetic stimulation by binding to α and β receptors Signup and view all the answers