Autonomic Pharmacology Notes and Slides PDF

**Notes and Slides: Introduction to Autonomic Pharmacology** **Slide 1: Structure and Function of the Autonomic Nervous System** - The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and metabolic...

**Notes and Slides: Introduction to Autonomic Pharmacology** **Slide 1: Structure and Function of the Autonomic Nervous System** - The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and metabolic functions. - Works alongside the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements. - Consists of two main divisions: - **Sympathetic nervous system (SNS):** \"Fight or flight\" response. - **Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS):** \"Rest and digest\" response. - **Figure 1: Organization of the Autonomic Nervous System** - Diagram showing the division between sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, their neurotransmitters, and target organs. **Slide 2: Objectives** 1. List the different components of the nervous system and describe their function in the body. 2. Explain the role of the autonomic nervous system and its components (parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system). 3. Describe the synthesis, release, and degradation of the primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system. 4. Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic receptors and recognize where in the autonomic nervous system they are used in signaling. 5. Recognize opportunities for pharmacotherapeutic and off-target effects of drugs within the autonomic nervous system. **Slide 3: Organization of the Nervous System** - **Central Nervous System (CNS):** Brain and spinal cord. - **Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):** Neuronal tissues outside the CNS. - **Functional Divisions of PNS:** - **Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):** Involuntary control of body functions. - **Somatic Nervous System:** Voluntary control of skeletal muscles. - **Figure 2: Nervous System Organization** - Diagram illustrating CNS, PNS, and their subdivisions. **Slide 4: Autonomic Nervous System** - Regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular activity. - Maintains homeostasis through balance between SNS and PNS. - Functions independently of direct conscious control. - **Figure 3: Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System** - Diagram outlining SNS and PNS effects on different organs. **Slide 5: Organization of the Autonomic Nervous System** - **Sympathetic Division:** - Originates in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. - Short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers. - Uses acetylcholine (ACh) at preganglionic synapses and norepinephrine (NE) at postganglionic synapses. - **Parasympathetic Division:** - Originates in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord. - Long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers. - Uses ACh at both preganglionic and postganglionic synapses. - **Figure 4: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Pathways** - Diagram illustrating differences in neuron lengths and neurotransmitters used. **Slide 6: Neurotransmitter Chemistry of the ANS** - **Cholinergic Fibers (release ACh):** - All preganglionic autonomic fibers. - Parasympathetic postganglionic nerve endings. - Somatic neuromuscular junctions. - Enteric nervous system. - **Adrenergic Fibers (release NE):** - Most sympathetic postganglionic fibers. - **Other Neurotransmitters:** - Dopamine (important in renal vasodilation). - Epinephrine (released from adrenal medulla). - **Figure 5: Neurotransmitters and Their Targets** - Diagram mapping neurotransmitter release sites and receptors. **Slide 7: Synthesis and Metabolism of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters** - **Synthesis:** - Begins with **tyrosine** → converted to **DOPA** → **dopamine** → **norepinephrine** → **epinephrine** (in adrenal medulla). - **Metabolism:** - Enzymes: **Monoamine oxidase (MAO)** and **Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)** degrade catecholamines. - **Figure 6: Catecholamine Synthesis Pathway** - Diagram showing enzymatic steps in neurotransmitter synthesis. **Slide 8: Cholinergic and Adrenergic Receptors** - **Cholinergic Receptors:** - **Nicotinic (N):** Found in autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular junctions. - **Muscarinic (M):** Found in target organs of the parasympathetic system (M1-M5 subtypes). - **Adrenergic Receptors:** - **Alpha receptors (α1, α2):** Vasoconstriction, inhibition of NE release. - **Beta receptors (β1, β2, β3):** Heart rate increase, bronchodilation, lipolysis. - **Figure 7: Receptor Types and Their Functions** - Diagram showing receptor locations and effects. **Slide 9: Pharmacotherapeutic Implications** - **Sympathomimetic Drugs:** Mimic sympathetic activation (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol). - **Sympatholytic Drugs:** Block sympathetic activity (e.g., beta-blockers like propranolol). - **Parasympathomimetic Drugs:** Enhance parasympathetic activity (e.g., pilocarpine for glaucoma). - **Parasympatholytic Drugs:** Inhibit parasympathetic activity (e.g., atropine for bradycardia). **Slide 10: Off-Target Effects of ANS Drugs** - **Adrenergic drugs:** May cause hypertension, arrhythmias, anxiety. - **Cholinergic drugs:** May cause excessive salivation, diarrhea, bradycardia. - **Anticholinergics:** Can cause dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision. - **Beta-blockers:** Risk of bronchoconstriction in asthma patients. **Slide 11: Summary** - The ANS maintains homeostasis through its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. - Neurotransmitters play key roles in regulating ANS activity. - Pharmacological manipulation of ANS functions is central to treating various conditions. - Understanding receptor specificity is crucial for targeted therapy with minimal side effects. **Slide 12: Review Questions** 1. What are the primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system? 2. How do adrenergic and cholinergic receptors differ in function? 3. What is the role of the adrenal medulla in autonomic pharmacology? 4. How do sympathomimetic and sympatholytic drugs differ? 5. What are some common side effects of drugs affecting the ANS? **Slide 13: Questions?** (Open for class discussion and clarification).