Cholinergic and Adrenergic Systems

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Questions and Answers

How does the effect of a muscarinic agonist on the lungs contrast with its effect on sweat glands?

  • The muscarinic agonist stimulates alveolar function while inhibiting sweat production.
  • The muscarinic agonist causes broncho-constriction in the lungs and stimulates sweat glands. (correct)
  • The muscarinic agonist bronchodilates the lungs while having no effect on sweat glands.
  • The muscarinic agonist causes broncho-constriction in the lungs and inhibits sweat glands.

In a scenario where a patient is administered a drug that selectively blocks $N_M$ receptors, which of the following physiological responses would most likely be observed?

  • Increased gastrointestinal motility and salivation.
  • Skeletal muscle relaxation and decreased motor function. (correct)
  • Pupil constriction and increased sweating.
  • Increased heart rate and bronchodilation.

If a new drug is developed that selectively targets and inhibits adrenergic nerves, what would be the most likely overall effect on the cardiovascular system?

  • Decreased heart rate and vasodilation due to reduced sympathetic activity. (correct)
  • Decreased heart rate and vasoconstriction due to activation of muscarinic receptors.
  • Increased heart rate and vasodilation due to unopposed parasympathetic activity.
  • Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction due to enhanced epinephrine release.

Explain why a patient with an existing respiratory condition such as severe COPD might experience adverse effects if administered a muscarinic agonist.

<p>Muscarinic agonists cause broncho-constriction, further restricting airflow in already compromised airways. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would the administration of a ganglion blocker impact the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tone in various organs?

<p>Ganglion blockers would shift the balance towards whichever system has dominant control in each specific organ. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the physiological effects of muscarinic antagonists, why might these drugs be contraindicated in patients with glaucoma?

<p>Muscarinic antagonists increase intraocular pressure by impairing drainage, worsening glaucoma. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential therapeutic rationale for using a selective muscarinic receptor agonist in patients suffering from post-operative ileus?

<p>To increase gastrointestinal motility and promote bowel function recovery. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying a novel compound that selectively enhances the activity of cholinergic nerves. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed in a healthy subject?

<p>Decreased heart rate, broncho-constriction, and increased gastrointestinal motility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a patient experiencing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), how would a muscarinic antagonist alleviate this condition, and what potential side effects must be considered?

<p>Muscarinic antagonists block sweat glands; side effects include dry mouth and urinary retention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an individual accidentally ingests a substance that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, what immediate physiological responses would be expected?

<p>Decreased heart rate, broncho-constriction, and increased salivation and sweating. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a drug is designed to selectively stimulate $N_N$ receptors, what would be the expected effects on both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

<p>Increased activity in both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, with potential for widespread effects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a patient is given a medication that results in prolonged activation of adrenergic receptors. What compensatory mechanisms might the body employ to restore homeostasis, and how could these mechanisms affect the drug's long-term efficacy?

<p>Downregulation of adrenergic receptors, potentially reducing the drug's effectiveness over time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the structural differences between parasympathetic and sympathetic pathways (i.e., preganglionic and postganglionic neuron lengths) influence the specificity and duration of their effects on target organs?

<p>Parasympathetic's long preganglionic fibers allow for targeted, short-lived effects, while sympathetic's short fibers result in broad, prolonged actions due to adrenal medulla activation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a toxin selectively disrupts the synthesis of norepinephrine in adrenergic nerves, what downstream effects would be anticipated, and how would the body attempt to compensate for this disruption?

<p>Decreased heart rate and vasodilation; compensation via increased sensitivity of adrenergic receptors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways might the effects of a drug that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine at adrenergic synapses differ from those of a drug that directly stimulates adrenergic receptors, and what are the implications for therapeutic use?

<p>Reuptake inhibitors cause a gradual, sustained response; direct agonists may lead to receptor desensitization, making reuptake inhibitors preferable for chronic conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cholinergic Nerve

Nerves that synthesize and release acetylcholine.

Cholinergic Receptors

Receptors that bind acetylcholine; includes nicotinic and muscarinic subtypes.

Nicotinic Receptor

A type of receptor, that binds acetylcholine, found in ganglia and skeletal muscle.

Muscarinic Receptor

A type of receptor, that binds acetylcholine, found on parasympathetically innervated organs and sweat glands.

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Adrenergic Nerve

Nerves that primarily release norepinephrine; part of the sympathetic nervous system.

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Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that bind norepinephrine or epinephrine; includes alpha and beta subtypes.

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Nicotinic Agonist

Mimics the action of acetylcholine by stimulating nicotinic receptors at ganglia, adrenal medulla and skeletal muscle.

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Ganglion Blocker

Blocks nicotinic receptors specifically at the autonomic ganglia.

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Skeletal Muscle Relaxant

Blocks nicotinic receptors at the skeletal muscle causing muscle relaxation.

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Muscarinic Agonist

Mimics the action of acetylcholine by stimulating muscarinic receptors.

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Muscarinic Antagonist

Blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, inhibiting parasympathetic activity.

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Miosis

Pupil constriction

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Mydriasis

Pupil dilation.

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Hyperthermia

Increased body temperature due to inability to sweat.

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Study Notes

Cholinergic and Adrenergic Terms

  • Cholinergic refers to acetylcholine, and adrenergic refers to norepinephrine

Peripheral Nervous System Comparison

  • The parasympathetic nervous system has long preganglionic and short postganglionic neurons
  • The sympathetic nervous system has short preganglionic and long postganglionic neurons
  • Somatic nerves consist of a single, long neuron without ganglia

Neurotransmitters in Different Systems

  • In parasympathetic pathways, acetylcholine is the transmitter at both ganglia and the target organ
  • In sympathetic pathways, acetylcholine is the first neurotransmitter, followed by norepinephrine from the postganglionic neuron
  • Acetylcholine is the transmitter for somatic motor nerves

Cholinergic Nerves and Receptors

  • Cholinergic nerves synthesize and release acetylcholine
  • Cholinergic receptors are sometimes called "colonoceptors"

Types of Cholinergic Receptors

  • Nicotinic receptors have two subtypes: N sub N and N sub M
  • Muscarinic receptors are found on parasympathetically innervated organs and sweat glands

Adrenergic Nerves and Receptors

  • Adrenergic nerves release norepinephrine
  • Dopaminergic nerves release dopamine and are part of the sympathetic nervous system
  • Adrenergic receptors include alpha and beta receptors

Dopaminergic Receptors

  • Dopamine receptors are classified as D1
  • Dopamine's primary function is in the brain, with limited peripheral activity

Autonomic Receptor Knowledge for Predicting Drug Properties

  • Understanding the location and function of autonomic receptors is essential for predicting the properties of autonomic drugs

Nicotinic Agonists

  • Nicotinic agonists, like nicotine, stimulate nicotinic receptors
  • They affect ganglia, adrenal medulla, and skeletal muscle

Nicotinic Antagonists

  • Nicotinic antagonists are divided into ganglion blockers and skeletal muscle relaxants
  • Ganglion blockers block N sub N receptors
  • Skeletal muscle relaxants block N sub M receptors on skeletal muscle

Muscarinic Agonists and Antagonists

  • Muscarinic agonists have parasympathetic effects
  • Muscarinic antagonists block the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to sympathetic-like responses

Predicting Muscarinic Agonist Effects

  • In the eye, muscarinic agonists cause pupil constriction (miosis)
  • Muscarinic agonists slow the heart rate, causing bradycardia
  • In the lungs, they cause broncho-constriction and should be avoided in patients with asthma or COPD
  • These agonists increase GI and urinary motility, promoting waste elimination
  • Muscarinic agonists stimulate sweat glands, causing sweating

Predicting Muscarinic Antagonist Effects

  • In the eye, muscarinic antagonists dilate pupils (mydriasis)
  • Muscarinic antagonists increase heart rate, causing tachycardia
  • In the lungs, they cause bronchodilation
  • These antagonists decrease GI and urinary motility
  • Muscarinic antagonists block sweating and can cause hyperthermia

Blood Vessels

  • Blood vessels are primarily innervated by the sympathetic nervous system
  • Sympathetic stimulation of blood vessels involves alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, leading to constriction or dilation
  • There is no parasympathetic innervation of blood vessels

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