Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic NS

Question 1

adrenergic agonists are aka

Answer 1

sympathomimetics

Question 2

adrenergic agonists are drugs that

Answer 2

stimulate the SNS

sympathetic NS

Question 3

describe the pre/post ganglionic fibers of the sympathetic NS

Answer 3

pre-ganglionic: short
post-ganglionic: long

Question 4

where does the ganglion reside in the sympathetic division?

Answer 4

closer to the spinal cord or CNS

Question 5

give 2 examples of SNS neurotransmitters

Answer 5

1. norepinephrine
2. epinephrine (catecholamines)

Question 6

what is the vital requirement for the release of neurotransmitters?

Answer 6

A Ca2+ influx into the axon terminal

Question 7

where are Beta-adrenergic receptors found?

Answer 7

on the postsynaptic effector cells

Question 8

Beta 1 is primarily located in the

Answer 8

heart

Question 9

Beta 2 is primarily located in

Answer 9

smooth muscle of
- bronchioles
- arterioles
- visceral organs

Question 10

where are alpha- adrenergic receptors found?

Answer 10

pre & postsynaptically

Question 11

alpha 1 is found on

Answer 11

postsynaptic effector cells
- smooth muscle of sphincter (GI & bladder)
- blood vessels

Question 12

alpha 2 is found on

Answer 12

presynaptic nerve endings and the central nervous system

Question 13

action of specific adrenergic receptor sites through agonist binding

alpha 1

Answer 13

• vasoconstriction
• increase BP
• increase muscle sphincter tone

Question 14

action of specific adrenergic receptor sites through agonist binding

alpha 2

Answer 14

• inhibits NE & insulin release from the presynaptic terminals

Question 15

action of specific adrenergic receptor sites through agonist binding

beta 1

Answer 15

• increased heart rate through SA and AV nodes
• increase force of myocardial contraction

Question 16

action of specific adrenergic receptor sites through agonist binding

beta 2

Answer 16

• vasodilation = decrease in BP
• bronchodilation
• increase rate and force of heart contraction
• decrease GI tract motility

Question 17

direct acting sympathomimetics bind directly to the

Answer 17

receptor for a physiological response

Question 18

indirect-acting sympathomimetics stimulate the release of _________

Answer 18

catecholamines

Question 19

catecholamines are released from…

Answer 19

storage sites in nerve endings

Question 20

after indirect-acting sympathomimetics stimulate the release of catecholamines they

Answer 20

bind to receptors

Question 21

what stimulates the release of norepinephrine from nerve endings to create a stimulating effect?

Answer 21

amphetamines

Question 22

what drugs inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine into the axon terminal?

Answer 22

• cocaine
• tr-cyclic antidepressants (TCA)

Question 23

drugs inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine into the axon terminal results in a

Answer 23

prolonged stimulant effect

Question 24

mixed-acting sympathomimetics can be described as both a

Answer 24

direct stimulation of receptor sites and release of catecholamines from nerve endings

Question 25

adrenergic blocking agents are aka

Answer 25

antagonists or sympatholytics

Question 26

adrenergic blocking agents produce what type of effect

Answer 26

an opposite effect of agonists

Question 27

nonspecific beta blockers block what 2 receptors?

Answer 27

beta 1 & 2 receptors

Question 28

cardio-selective beta blockers block what receptors?

Answer 28

specific beta 1 blockers located in the heart

Question 29

Are there “functional” beta 2 adrenergic receptors in the heart?

Answer 29

YES

• they increase heart frequency and contractility

Question 30

Knowing what effect stimulation of beta receptors in the heart will have,
then what would you anticipate to be the effect of cardio-selective blockade of the beta receptors on heart activity?

Answer 30

• decreased heart rate and contractility