Parasympathetic Nervous System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of organophosphorus compounds in causing toxicity?

  • Inhibit muscarinic receptors
  • Irreversible binding to cholinesterase (correct)
  • Activation of nicotinic receptors
  • Reversible inhibition of cholinesterase
  • Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with organophosphorus poisoning?

  • Mydriasis (correct)
  • Bradycardia
  • Profuse sweating
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • What is the role of atropine in the treatment of organophosphorus poisoning?

  • Acts as an anticonvulsant
  • Reduces muscarinic symptoms only (correct)
  • Reverses respiratory failure
  • Directly counteracts nicotinic symptoms
  • Which type of drug is atropine categorized as?

    <p>Anticholinergic agent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key component of the treatment protocol for cholinergic toxicity?

    <p>Endotracheal intubation and artificial respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential outcome of organophosphorus poisoning if left untreated?

    <p>Death due to respiratory depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do cholinesterase reactivators function in relation to organophosphorus poisoning?

    <p>They form stable complexes with organophosphorus compounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which one of the following conditions is a contraindication for the use of atropine?

    <p>Glaucoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes neostigmine compared to physostigmine?

    <p>It is a quaternary amine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which condition is edrophonium primarily used?

    <p>Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect of physostigmine?

    <p>Miosis and blurred vision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a use for neostigmine?

    <p>Management of glaucoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following anticholinesterases is associated with hepatotoxicity?

    <p>Tacrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of glorifying activities with neostigmine?

    <p>It is poorly absorbed from the GIT.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is cholinergic toxicity from anticholinesterases typically treated?

    <p>With atropine and anticonvulsants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the predominant effect of physostigmine in the eye?

    <p>Miosis and contraction of ciliary muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements regarding the pharmacokinetics of cholinergic agents is true?

    <p>Cholinergic agents are hydrolyzed by cholinesterase enzymes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary effect of organophosphorus poisoning?

    <p>Excessive stimulation of the cholinergic system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes anticholinesterases?

    <p>They prolong the action of acetylcholine at the synapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Physostigmine is primarily used in clinical settings to treat which condition?

    <p>Anticholinergic delirium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the treatment protocols for cholinergic toxicity, which medication is commonly used as an antidote?

    <p>Atropine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following synthetic choline esters is NOT effective when given intravenously or intramuscularly?

    <p>None of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does acetylcholine have on blood vessels?

    <p>Vasodilation via nitric oxide release.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a contraindication for cholinergic agents?

    <p>Asthma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Parasympathetic Nervous System

    • Often described as the "Feed and Breed" or "Rest and Digest" portion of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
    • Maintains essential body functions, like digestion and waste elimination.
    • Acts to oppose or balance the actions of the sympathetic division.

    Parasympathetic Neurotransmitters and Receptors

    • Acetylcholine (ACh) is the primary neurotransmitter.
    • ACh stimulates muscarinic receptors.
    • Parasympathomimetics (also called cholinomimetic drugs) stimulate muscarinic receptors.

    Parasympathomimetic Classification

    • Direct Acting:

      • Choline esters: Natural (acetylcholine), synthetic (methacholine, carbachol, bethanechol)
      • Natural alkaloids: Pilocarpine.
    • Indirect Acting (Anticholinesterases):

      • Reversible: Edrophonium (rapidly acting), neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine (slowly acting).
      • Irreversible: Insecticides (parathion, malathion), war gases (soman, tabun), Anti-bilharzial (metrifonate), Anti-Glaucoma (echothiophate).

    Acetylcholine Function

    • Postganglionic neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system.
    • Preganglionic neurotransmitter for both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
    • Neurotransmitter at non-autonomic sites (e.g., stimulating skeletal muscle, brain/spinal cord).

    Cholinergic Transmission

    • Synthesis, release, and degradation of ACh are crucial.

    Pharmacokinetics of Parasympathomimetics

    • Many are not absorbed orally (ionized quaternary ammonium compounds).
    • Do not pass the blood-brain barrier.
    • Broken down by cholinesterase enzymes.

    Pharmacological Actions (Parasympathomimetics)

    • Muscarinic Actions:

      • Eye: Miosis (pupil constriction), accommodation for near vision, increased lacrimation, decreased intraocular pressure (IOP).
      • Cardiovascular System (CVS): Decreased heart rate and conduction, vasodilation, hypotension.
      • Gastrointestinal (GIT) System: Increased motility and tone, increased secretions.
      • Bronchi: Bronchoconstriction.
      • Exocrine Glands: Increased secretions (salivary, sweat, lacrimal, etc.)
      • Uterus: Increased contraction (non-pregnant).
    • Nicotinic Actions:

      • Autonomic ganglia and adrenal medulla: Increased response, hypertension possible.
      • Motor end plate: Skeletal muscle twitches.

    Natural Alkaloids (e.g., Pilocarpine)

    • Excreted unchanged in the urine
    • Not hydrolyzed by cholinesterases.
    • Primarily direct muscarinic effects.
    • Functions include increased secretions (sweat, saliva) miosis, Increased contractility of bronchi, intestines, and urinary bladder.

    Anticholinesterases

    • Reversible: Compete with acetylcholine (Ach) at binding sites, block inactivation temporarily; hydrolyzed more slowly
    • Irreversible: Form very stable complexes with cholinesterases; permanently inhibit enzyme activity; potentially toxic.

    Treatment of Organophosphorus Poisoning

    • Endotracheal intubation, artificial respiration
    • Avoid further exposure, decontamination procedures (washing)
    • Atropine administration (mucarinic blocking)
    • Cholinesterase reactivators (e.g., oximes)
    • Anticonvulsants (e.g., diazepam)

    Parasympathetic Antagonists (Anticholinergics)

    • Antimuscarinics: Primarily block muscarinic actions of acetylcholine.
    • Ganglionic Blocking Agents: Block parasympathetic and sympathetic neurotransmission at ganglia.
    • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents: Block neuromuscular junction.

    Parasympathetic Antagonist Examples

    • Atropine: Prototype. Blocks muscarinic receptors, and is widely used as pre-anesthetic medication, and in the treatment of various conditions.
    • Scopolamine: Similar to atropine but has greater CNS effects.

    Scopolamine

    • Differences from atropine:
    • More CNS depressant effects (sedation, amnesia, anti-motion sickness).

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    Description

    Explore the intricate details of the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the 'Feed and Breed' or 'Rest and Digest' system. This quiz covers essential functions, neurotransmitters, receptors, and the classification of parasympathomimetics. Test your knowledge on how this system balances the sympathetic division in our body.

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