Cholinergic Drugs: Parasympathomimetics

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

How does the activation of muscarinic receptors in bronchiolar smooth muscle typically manifest?

  • Activation of adenylyl cyclase, leading to bronchodilation.
  • Inhibition of protein kinase C, causing a reduction in bronchial secretions.
  • Decrease in cAMP formation mediated by G-proteins, promoting smooth muscle relaxation.
  • Increase in IP3 and DAG, which leads to bronchoconstriction. (correct)

Which systemic effect is most likely to be observed following the administration of a muscarinic agonist?

  • Reduced urinary frequency due to increased sphincter tone.
  • Reduced heart rate (bradycardia) as a result of enhanced vagal tone. (correct)
  • Increased blood pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
  • Mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) caused by contraction of the radial muscle of the iris.

What characterizes the mechanism of action of Acetylcholine (ACh) at cholinergic receptors?

  • ACh inhibits both muscarinic (M) and nicotinic (N) receptors, leading to a decrease in parasympathetic activity.
  • ACh directly stimulates both M and N receptors, initiating a cascade of intracellular events. (correct)
  • ACh indirectly enhances the release of norepinephrine, which then stimulates adrenergic receptors.
  • ACh selectively stimulates M receptors while blocking N receptors, causing a mixed response.

Why is Acetylcholine (ACh) typically administered via injection rather than orally?

<p>ACh is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract due to its rapid hydrolysis by cholinesterase enzymes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological responses are associated with activation of M3 muscarinic receptors?

<p>Miosis, bronchoconstriction, increased gland secretion, and smooth muscle contraction in the bladder and intestines. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the activation of M2 muscarinic receptors in the heart affect cardiac function?

<p>Decreases heart rate and slows conduction through the AV node by reducing cAMP levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary effects of stimulating nicotinic (Nn) receptors located in autonomic ganglia?

<p>Generalized stimulation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic nerves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Carbachol differ mechanistically from Bethanechol in its interaction with cholinergic receptors?

<p>Carbachol stimulates both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, while Bethanechol selectively stimulates muscarinic receptors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for using Carbachol eye drops in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma?

<p>Carbachol causes miosis, which opens the trabecular meshwork and enhances aqueous humor drainage, lowering intraocular pressure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Bethanechol specifically used to treat post-operative urinary retention and paralytic ileus?

<p>Bethanechol selectively stimulates muscarinic receptors, increasing bladder and gastrointestinal smooth muscle tone and motility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Pilocarpine from Cevimeline in terms of their origin and receptor selectivity?

<p>Pilocarpine is a natural plant alkaloid with muscarinic effects, while Cevimeline is a synthetic compound also with muscarinic effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what specific clinical scenario is Cevimeline primarily indicated, and what is its mechanism of action in this context?

<p>To increase salivary secretion and treat xerostomia (dry mouth) by stimulating muscarinic receptors in salivary glands. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanisms underlie the contraindication of muscarinic agonists in patients with bronchial asthma?

<p>Muscarinic agonists cause bronchoconstriction and increase bronchial secretions, worsening respiratory function in asthmatic patients. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the mechanism by which muscarinic agonists are contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcers?

<p>Muscarinic agonists stimulate gastric acid and pepsin secretion, exacerbating ulceration and delaying healing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of muscarinic agonists on the detrusor muscle and internal urethral sphincter, and how does this relate to their therapeutic use?

<p>They contract the detrusor muscle and relax the internal urethral sphincter, facilitating bladder emptying. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do irreversible cholinesterase inhibitors differ from reversible inhibitors in their mechanism of action and duration of effect?

<p>Irreversible inhibitors form a stable, covalent bond with cholinesterase, while reversible inhibitors bind non-covalently and have a shorter duration of effect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which activation of nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction leads to skeletal muscle contraction?

<p>Increased sodium influx, causing depolarization of the muscle cell membrane and initiating an action potential that leads to muscle contraction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key clinical difference between the effects of muscarinic agonists and nicotinic agonists on blood vessels?

<p>Muscarinic agonists cause vasodilation, while nicotinic agonists have no direct effect on blood vessels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of cholinesterase enzyme (AChE) in the context of cholinergic neurotransmission?

<p>It rapidly hydrolyzes acetylcholine, terminating its action at the synapse. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Gq protein in the context of muscarinic receptor activation, specifically concerning M1 and M3 receptors?

<p>Gq protein activation leads to increased levels of IP3 and DAG, resulting in increased intracellular calcium concentrations and subsequent cellular effects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary body activities

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The 'rest and digest' system, promotes relaxation and digestion.

Neurotransmitter

A biological substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cholinesterase (AChE)

Enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cholinergic Receptors

Receptors that bind acetylcholine.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Muscarinic Receptor

A type of cholinergic receptor that binds acetylcholine. Affects smooth muscle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Muscarinic Receptor (M1)

Affects motor activity, attention and memory.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Muscarinic Receptor (M2)

Decreases heart rate via cAMP reduction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Muscarinic Receptor (M3)

Contraction of ciliary muscles which causes accomodation of the vision, gland secretion, Sphincter relaxation and Urination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nicotinic Receptors

Ion channels that mediate fast synaptic transmission.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nicotinic Receptor (Nn)

In autonomic ganglia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nicotinic Receptor (Nm)

Mediate skeletal muscle contraction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parasympathomimetics

Mimic the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists

Drugs that directly activate cholinergic receptors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists

Cholinesterase inhibitors - Increase acetylcholine levels indirectly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Carbachol

Stimulates both muscarinic & nicotinic receptors. Used for open angle glaucoma.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bethanechol

Stimulates only muscarinic receptors. Used for post-operative urine retention and paralytic ileus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pilocarpine

Natural plant alkaloid to decrease IOP in chronic open angle glaucoma.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cevimeline

Synthetic alkaloid to increase salivary secretion & treat xerostomia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Cholinergic drugs are discussed in this lecture
  • This lecture covers cholinergic receptors, classification of parasympathomimetics, the mechanism of action of parasympathomimetics, uses of different cholinergic agonists, and side effects and contraindications of parasympathomimetics

Autonomic Nervous System

  • The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body activities
  • The sympathetic branch triggers stress responses
  • The parasympathetic branch promotes peace, rest, and digestion

Parasympathetic System

  • The parasympathetic system's preganglionic and postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine
  • This system causes miosis (pupil constriction), salivation, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia (slowed heart rate), digestion, and urination

Parasympathetic (Cholinergic) System

  • Acetylcholine (ACh) serves as the neurotransmitter
  • Cholinesterase enzyme (AChE) metabolizes acetylcholine
  • Receptors include muscarinic (M) and nicotinic (N) cholinoceptors

Muscarinic Receptors

  • Muscarinic receptors are G-protein coupled receptors

  • M1 receptors are located in the CNS

    • They affect motor activity, attention, and memory
    • M1 receptors are also in the stomach, stimulating HCL secretion
    • M1 receptors increase IP3 and DAG, which in turn increase Ca2+
  • M2 receptors decrease cAMP

  • M3 receptors control miosis (constrict pupil), Bronchioles constriction (BC), blood vessel dilation (VD)

Nicotinic Receptors

  • Nicotinic receptors are ion channel receptors, increasing Na+ and causing depolarization
  • Nn receptors are located in the adrenal medulla and autonomic ganglia.
  • Nm receptors are located in the somatic nerves and skeletal muscles.
  • Nicotinic receptors stimulate the release of catecholamine

Para-sympathomimetics Classification

  • Direct acting parasympathomimetics :
    • Choline esters: Acetylcholine, Bethanechol, Carbachol, Methacholine
    • Alkaloids: Pilocarpine, Cevimeline
  • Indirect acting parasympathomimetics (ChE inhibitors):
    • Reversible: Physostigmine, Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine, Donepezil
    • Irreversible: Organo-phosphate compounds

Acetylcholine

  • Acetylcholine is administered by injection, not effective orally due to poor absorption
  • Rapidly hydrolyzed by cholinesterase enzyme

Muscarinic Effects

  • Cardiovascular System (CVS):
    • Decreases heart rate (M2)
    • Vasodilation of blood vessels (M3)
    • Decreases blood pressure
  • Respiratory System (M3):
    • Bronchoconstriction
    • Increases bronchial secretion
  • Eyes (M3):
    • Miosis (constriction of the pupil)
    • Accommodation for near objects
  • Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) (M3): Increases motility and relaxes the sphincters
  • Urinary Tract (M3): Stimulates the detrusor muscle and relaxes the internal urethral sphincter, resulting in bladder evacuation
  • Exocrine Glands (M3): Stimulates salivary, gastric, bronchial, lacrimal, and sweat gland secretions

Nicotinic Effects

  • All types of autonomic ganglia (Nn) are impacted
  • Increases motor end plate (neuromuscular junction), leading to skeletal muscle contractions (Nm)

Carbachol

  • Resists hydrolysis by AChE, effective orally, and has a long duration
  • Stimulates both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors
  • Treats open-angle glaucoma by causing miosis and increasing aqueous humor drainage

Bethanechol

  • Stimulates muscarinic receptors only
  • Used for post-operative urine retention
  • Used also for paralytic ileus

Pilocarpine

  • Natural plant alkaloid
  • Exhibits muscarinic effects but no nicotinic effects
  • Local eye drops are used to decrease IOP in chronic open-angle glaucoma

Cevimeline

  • Synthetic alkaloid
  • Muscarinic effects only
  • Given orally to increase salivary secretion and treat xerostomia (dry mouth)

Muscarinic Agonists Side Effects and Contraindications

  • Side effects include:
    • Hypotension
    • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
    • Bradycardia
    • Bronchoconstriction
    • Sweating, salivation
  • Contraindications
    • Bronchial asthma
    • Heart block
    • Peptic ulcer

Review Questions

  • Activation of muscarinic receptors in bronchiolar smooth muscle is associated with an increase in IP3 and DAG
  • Reduced heart rate (bradycardia) is a systemic effect of a muscarinic agonist

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Cholinergic Drugs: Parasympathomimetics
20 questions
Cholinergic Drugs: Clinical Pharmacology
10 questions
Cholinergic Agonists & Cholinesterase
5 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser