Sketchy Pharm: Sympathomimetics

Question 1

What is the difference between norepinephrine and epinephrine?

Answer 1

Epinephrine acts as a hormone while norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter.

Question 2

Alpha-1 activation leads to a _____________ in blood pressure.

Answer 2

dose-dependent increase (because of the vasoconstriction in veins and arteries –think of the red leashes)

Question 3

Alpha-1 activation leads to what ophthalmologic and GI/GU effects?

Answer 3

Mydriasis (constriction of the pupillary dilator muscle) and urinary/fecal retention (constriction of the urethra and anal sphincter)

Question 4

Describe the role of alpha-2 activation.

Answer 4

It decreases the sympathetic response; it is a Gi protein that decreases cAMP in presynaptic terminals – thus preventing the release of more norepinephrine – and decreases insulin release in the pancreatic islet cells (think of the rolled up mat and tent and power sources). Also, it decreases lipolysis (think of the fire being extinguished with the pig over it) and decreases aqueous humor production (think of the eyeball hat being poured out –brimonidine).

Question 5

What adrenergic receptor mediates renin release?

Answer 5

Beta-1 (the girl standing next to the fire hydrant –representing increased cardiac output)

Question 6

What receptor mediates vasodilation?

Answer 6

Beta-2 (the girl with the beta-2-tuba with dilated, loose sleeves)

Question 7

What receptor induces lipolysis?

Answer 7

Beta-2 (the pig roasting next to the beta-2-tuba

Question 8

Beta-2 activation leads to what in the liver?

Answer 8

Gluconeogenesis (the girl roasting marshmallows over the beta-2 fire)

Question 9

How does beta-2 activation affect potassium levels?

Answer 9

It decreases K, because it induces insulin release

Question 10

What receptors does norepinephrine activate?

Answer 10

Primarily alpha, but also some beta-1; think of the north-facing scout with the beta-1 bugle

Question 11

Increased pulse pressure is a side effect of which kind of adrenergic receptor activation?

Answer 11

Ones that have beta-1 (inotropic agents) and beta-2 (vasodilatory)

Question 12

Dobutamine activates ______________.

Answer 12

beta-1 (“do-beta-one = dobutamine”)

Question 13

What drugs (and what targets) are used to prevent premature labor?

Answer 13

Terbutaline (“do not disturb) and ritodrine (“I DReam of band camp”)

Question 14

At low doses, epinephrine primarily affects ____________; at high doses it affects __________.

Answer 14

beta receptors; alpha receptors