Introduction to Pharmacology Basics
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of a drug acting as a permeation blocker on an ion channel?

  • It increases the probability of the ion channel opening.
  • It physically obstructs the ion channel, preventing ion flow. (correct)
  • It produces an intracellular messenger.
  • It alters the normal reaction of an enzyme.
  • A drug that combines with a receptor, produces no response, but also prevents an agonist from binding is best described as a what?

  • Partial Agonist
  • Enzyme Inhibitor
  • Pharmacological Agonist
  • Pharmacological Antagonist (correct)
  • What is the primary role of a second messenger in the context of drug action on enzymes?

  • To directly inhibit the enzyme's active site.
  • To convert a normal substrate into an abnormal metabolite.
  • To block ion channels.
  • To relay signals within the cell after enzyme activation. (correct)
  • In the context of a drug that acts as a false substrate, what is the result of its interaction with an enzyme?

    <p>The production of an abnormal metabolite. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A drug that increases the opening probability of an ion channel is best described as a what?

    <p>Modulator (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a drug inhibits a transport system, how does this typically affect the transport process?

    <p>It blocks the transport process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the provided information, what is the most common type of drug target?

    <p>Microbes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A drug that is converted into an active form in the body is called a what?

    <p>Prodrug (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a physiological effect of adrenaline release?

    <p>Increased glucose mobilization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of receptor is NOT primarily classified by its ligand?

    <p>Steroid Receptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is characteristic of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR)?

    <p>They are ligand-gated ion channels permeable to sodium ions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) are classified as:

    <p>G-protein coupled receptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many transmembrane regions are commonly found in G protein-coupled receptors?

    <p>7 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a correct description of a GABAB receptor?

    <p>Metabotropic, ultimately inhibit calcium channels and activate potassium channels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of G proteins in signal transduction?

    <p>They are transducer proteins that bind GTP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the structure of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors?

    <p>A pentamer with five subunits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are subtypes of Acetylcholine receptors

    <p>Muscarinic and Nicotinic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding the diversity of the G protein-coupled receptors

    <p>Variations in loops and termini confer site specificity and allow for different subtypes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily determines whether a cell will respond to a specific chemical signal?

    <p>The presence of appropriate receptor proteins for the signal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Langley and Ehrlich's receptor concept, what is the primary mechanism by which chemicals produce their effects?

    <p>By combining with specific receptor sites on cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'affinity' refer to in the context of drug-receptor interactions?

    <p>The strength of the interaction between a drug and its receptor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical location for receptors in a cell?

    <p>Mitochondria. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between a hormone and a neurotransmitter?

    <p>Hormones are released into the bloodstream to act on distant organs, whereas neurotransmitters act locally on adjacent neurons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of calcium influx in neurotransmitter release?

    <p>It initiates the process of exocytosis, leading to neurotransmitter release. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism for the recovery or degradation of neurotransmitters in the synapse?

    <p>Active transport into blood cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of GABA in the central nervous system?

    <p>It is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a monoamine neurotransmitter?

    <p>Noradrenaline. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are neurotransmitters typically synthesized and stored?

    <p>In the presynaptic neuron and stored in vesicles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is a ligand?

    A specific molecule that triggers a cellular response by binding to a receptor protein.

    What is a receptor?

    A specialized protein on the surface of a cell that binds to specific molecules (ligands) and triggers a cellular response.

    What is affinity in pharmacology?

    The strength of the interaction between a ligand and its receptor.

    What is the lock and key hypothesis?

    Chemicals that produce their effects by combining with specific receptor sites in cells.

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    What are hormones?

    Chemicals released from one cell into the extracellular space or circulation to travel to a new site of action and provoke a response.

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    What are neurotransmitters?

    Chemicals synthesized and stored in nerve terminals, released into the extracellular space, and act on adjacent neurons.

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    What is exocytosis?

    The process by which vesicles within a cell release their contents into the extracellular space.

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    What is a synapse?

    A specialized junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

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    What is neurotransmitter recovery?

    The process of removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft by either reuptake into the presynaptic neuron or enzymatic degradation.

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    What is glutamate?

    The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), responsible for 50% of excitatory transmission.

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    Second Messenger

    A substance produced by an enzyme that serves as a relay in the signal transduction mechanism within a cell.

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    Agonist

    A molecule that binds to a receptor and triggers a cellular response.

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    Antagonist

    A molecule that binds to a receptor but does not trigger a cellular response. It blocks the action of an agonist.

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    Channel Blocker

    A type of drug that blocks the passage of ions through ion channels.

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    Channel Modulator

    A drug that alters the opening and closing frequency of an ion channel, either increasing or decreasing the flow of ions.

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    Enzyme Inhibitor

    A drug that binds to an enzyme and blocks its function, preventing the formation of a normal product.

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    Transport Inhibitor

    A drug that binds to a transporter protein and prevents the transport of a specific molecule.

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    Cellular Receptors

    Drugs acting on receptors constitute a major category of drugs, accounting for about 40% of all types.

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    Adrenaline

    A hormone released during stress, increasing heart rate, dilating bronchi, and mobilizing glucose. It prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses.

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    Noradrenaline

    A neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system, influencing various physiological functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. It also plays a role in mood regulation.

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    Cholinoceptors

    A type of receptor that binds to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and nerve signaling. There are two main subtypes: nicotinic and muscarinic.

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    Adrenoceptors (α and β)

    A receptor that binds to adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). They play a crucial role in the "fight or flight" response and various other physiological functions.

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    Histamine Receptors (H1, H2, H3)

    A receptor that binds to histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during inflammation. It is involved in allergic reactions and other physiological responses.

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    Dopamine Receptors (D1, D2 etc.)

    A receptor that binds to dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement. They are linked to several neurological disorders.

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    Glutamate receptors

    A type of receptor that binds to glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. They are involved in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.

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    GABA Receptors (GABAA and GABAB)

    A type of receptor that binds to GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. They are involved in reducing neuronal activity and regulating anxiety and sleep.

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    G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

    A large family of receptors linked to various cellular processes. They are characterized by their seven transmembrane domains and use a signaling cascade involving G proteins.

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    G Protein

    A family of proteins that bind to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and play a crucial role in signal transduction, activating various downstream signaling pathways.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Pharmacology

    • Pharmacology focuses on receptors, transmitters, and drug actions.
    • Drug effects depend on the number of occupied receptors.
    • The "lock and key" hypothesis describes chemical specificity between drugs and receptors.
    • Affinity describes the strength of the drug-receptor interaction.

    The Need for Receptors

    • Signaling molecules (hormones) in the blood can reach many cells.
    • Not all cells respond to circulating chemicals due to a lack of the appropriate receptor proteins.
    • Specificity is important, only specific cells with specific receptors respond to a signal.

    The Receptor Concept

    • Langley and Ehrlich proposed that chemical effects are a result of combining with specific receptor sites in cells.
    • The response depends on the quantity of occupied receptors.
    • The "lock and key" hypothesis describes the concept of chemical specificity (a drug fits a specific receptor).

    Receptors

    • Receptors are proteins with a binding site for ligands.
    • Receptors are receptive to ligands and have affinity for ligands.

    Receptor Locations

    • Lipophilic signals diffuse through the cell membrane to bind cytosolic or nuclear receptors.
    • Lipophilic/Lipophobic signal molecules bind to membrane receptors.
    • Receptors in the cytosol or nucleus are associated with slower responses involving gene activity.

    Four Types of Receptors

    • Ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic) have rapid effects (milliseconds).
    • G-protein coupled receptors (metabotropic) have slower effects (seconds).
    • Kinase-linked receptors have moderately slow effects (hours).
    • Nuclear receptors have slow effects (hours) often associated with gene transcription.

    Transmitters

    • Transmitters include hormones, neurotransmitters, and other local signaling molecules (autocoids, neuropeptides, neuromodulators, cytokines).

    Hormones

    • Hormones are released from one cell into the extracellular space or blood circulation and act on another specific cell.

    Neurotransmitters

    • Neurotransmitters are synthesized in a presynaptic neuron, stored in vesicles, released upon calcium influx, and diffuse across the synaptic cleft.
    • Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on postsynaptic neurons, triggering a response.
    • Neurotransmitter uptake or degradation terminates the signal.

    The Synapse

    • A synapse is the junction between two neurons.
    • Neurotransmitter release occurs at the synapse involving exocytosis.

    Neurotransmitter Release

    • Exocytosis is the process by which vesicles release their contents (neurotransmitters) into the synaptic cleft.

    Neurotransmitter Recovery and Degradation

    • Neurotransmitters can diffuse, be reuptaken by the presynaptic neuron, or be degraded by enzymes.

    Neurotransmitters (List)

    • Acetylcholine
    • Monoamines (noradrenaline, dopamine, 5-HT)
    • Amino acids (glutamate, GABA)
    • Neuropeptides (endorphins)
    • Purines (ATP)
    • Soluble gases (nitric oxide)

    Amino Acids

    • Certain amino acids function as neurotransmitters.
    • GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter.
    • Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter.

    Recall... Hormone vs Neurotransmitter

    • Neurotransmitters are synthesized and stored in nerve terminals and released into the extracellular space between adjacent neurons.
    • Hormones are synthesized in one organ, released into the blood, and affect another organ.

    Hormone or Neurotransmitter? (Examples)

    • Adrenaline is a hormone released into the blood affecting heart rate, bronchioles, and glucose mobilization.
    • Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter.

    Types of Receptors Based on Ligand

    • Includes cholinoceptors, adrenoceptors, histamine, dopamine, insulin, steroids, and many others; numerous subtypes exist (over 100 different types).

    Acetylcholine Receptors

    • Nicotinic and muscarinic subtypes exist.
    • Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels permeable to sodium ions.
    • Muscarinic receptors are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with multiple subtypes.

    Nicotinic ACh Receptors

    • Nicotinic receptors are pentameric with 5 subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, or epsilon).
    • Subunit variations contribute to the specificity between neuronal and muscle receptors.

    Glutamate Receptors

    • Both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors exist.
    • Ionotropic receptors (AMPA, NMDA, kainate) are named after specific ligands.
    • Ionotropic receptors open cation channels.

    GABA Receptors

    • GABAA receptors are ligand-gated ion channels for chloride ions, whereas GABAB receptors are metabotropic (GPCRs) and modulate voltage-gated calcium channels and potassium channels.

    G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

    • A large group of receptors including visual pigments, odorant receptors, and many others.
    • Activation of GPCRs involves transducer proteins (G proteins).

    Common Structural Motifs (GPCRs)

    • GPCRs have a single polypeptide chain, seven transmembrane regions, an extracellular N-terminus, and an intracellular C-terminus.
    • Sizes and loops in the N and C termini vary greatly.

    G Protein-Coupled Receptors (Detailed structure)

    • The structure of a G protein-coupled receptor, highlighting the extracellular ligand binding domain and intracellular G protein binding. Specific regions for ligand binding, G-protein binding, and transmembrane domains are identified

    Signal Transduction Mechanism

    • Receptor-activated G protein: G protein family binds GTP, signal transduction initiated.
    • Cycle of inactivation (GDP binding) and activation (GTP binding) of the G protein

    G Protein-dependent signal transduction

    • Activated G proteins trigger changes in ion channels or activate enzymes leading to a cellular response.
    • Second messengers (e.g., cAMP, DAG, IP3) relay signals within the cell.

    Ligands Acting on Receptors

    • Agonists bind to receptors and produce a cellular response.
    • Antagonists bind to receptors but block the action of agonists, resulting in no effect.

    Agonists/Antagonists (Pharmacology)

    • Agonists combine with a receptor and trigger a biological response (affinity and efficacy).
    • Antagonists bind to a receptor but do not induce a response; they block the action of agonists (affinity but no efficacy).

    Acting on Ion Channels

    • Drugs can act as blockers or modulators of ion channels.
    • Blockers prevent ion permeation (e.g., local anesthetics).
    • Modulators alter channel opening probability (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines).

    Acting on Enzymes

    • Drugs can be inhibitors or false substrates of enzymes.
    • Inhibitors decrease enzyme activity, while false substrates lead to incorrect products.

    Acting on Transporters

    • Drugs can be inhibitors or false substrates of transporters.
    • Inhibitors block transport mechanisms, while false substrates can accumulate within a compartment.

    Types of Drug Action

    • Drugs can affect transport systems, enzymes, microbes, cellular receptors, or other targets.
    • Cellular receptors are a major target for drugs (40%).

    Recap

    • Drugs act on specific receptor proteins or other components, such as enzymes, ion channels, transporters, and microbes.
    • Types of drug actions include, but are not limited to, receptor binding, enzyme inhibition, transport inhibition, and more.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of pharmacology, specifically focusing on receptors, signaling molecules, and the interaction between drugs and receptors. Understanding the 'lock and key' hypothesis and the significance of receptor specificity is crucial for studying drug effects. Test your knowledge on how receptors influence pharmacological responses.

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