Cholinergic Agonists and Antagonists Quiz

Drugs that mimic acetylcholine, stimulating cholinergic receptors in the body. They can be direct-acting, binding directly to the receptor, or indirect-acting, inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation.

They activate cholinergic receptors directly, leading to a similar effect as acetylcholine in the body.

They work indirectly by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation and prolonged effects.

An enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, preventing its accumulation and terminating its effect.

Drugs that inhibit AChE, causing acetylcholine to accumulate in the synapse.

The junction between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where acetylcholine is released to trigger muscle contraction.

A rare autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness and fatigue in voluntary muscles, due to antibodies attacking acetylcholine receptors at the NMJ.

A group of chemicals that inhibit AChE, resulting in excessive acetylcholine accumulation and toxic effects. Common examples include pesticides and nerve agents.

A drug that acts on the parasympathetic nervous system, affecting organs like heart, lungs, and digestive system. It is known for its effects on salivary and intestinal secretions, muscle movements, and various other functions.

The acetylcholine receptor located at the neuromuscular junction responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses to skeletal muscles, leading to their contraction.

The acetylcholine receptor found in various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system, mediating the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.

A drug that acts by stimulating the muscarinic receptors, leading to increased salivation, sweating, and other parasympathetic effects.

A cholinergic agonist that acts primarily on muscarinic receptors, resulting in increased urinary output and intestinal motility.

A cholinergic agonist affecting both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, resulting in increased muscle stimulation and various other effects.

A drug that inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, prolonging its effects on both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

A drug that inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine and is used for conditions like glaucoma, atropine poisoning, and Alzheimer's disease.

Organophosphates are a group of chemicals that inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. This leads to a buildup of acetylcholine in the synapse, causing a range of effects from mild to severe.

A cholinergic crisis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an excess of acetylcholine in the body. This can be caused by organophosphate poisoning, as well as other factors. Symptoms include several of the 'DUMBBELLS' symptoms.

DUMBBELLS is a mnemonic used to remember the common symptoms of a cholinergic crisis. It stands for Diarrhea, Urination, Miosis (pupil constriction), Bradycardia, Bronchospasm/bronchorrhea, Emesis, Lacrimation, Lethargy, and Salivation.

Atropine is a medication used to treat cholinergic crisis. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. This helps to reverse the severe effects of the excess acetylcholine in the body.

Pralidoxime (PAM) is a medication used to reactivate cholinesterase. This helps to restore the proper level of acetylcholine in the body. PAM is most effective when administered early in the course of organophosphate poisoning.

Atropine is a drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, which are found in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Atropine causes dilation of the pupils (mydriasis), making the eyes less responsive to light. It also causes cycloplegia, which is the inability to focus for near vision. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, atropine can increase intraocular pressure dangerously.

Atropine decreases the motility of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to constipation. It can be used as an antispasmodic to reduce the activity of the GI tract.

Atropine increases heart rate by blocking M2 receptors in the sinoatrial node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker.

Atropine blocks muscarinic receptors in the salivary glands, leading to dryness of the mouth (xerostomia). It can also affect sweat and lacrimal glands.