Autonomic Nervous System

• What system is responsible for stimulating secretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline?

  The Autonomic Nervous System
• What are the main topics covered in the Autonomic Nervous System?

  • Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
  • Effect of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic stimulation
  • Overall difference between the 2 divisions of the ANS

  
• What are the learning objectives related to the Autonomic Nervous System?

  • Effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurotransmitters on target organs and tissues
  • Synthetic and metabolic pathways for neurotransmitter synthesis

  
• What neurotransmitter is primarily used by almost all efferent fibers leaving the central nervous system?

  Acetylcholine (ACh)
• What neurotransmitter do most postganglionic sympathetic fibers release?

  Noradrenaline (NA)
• What are the five key features of neurotransmitter function relevant for pharmacological intervention?

  • Synthesis
  • Storage
  • Release
  • Activation of receptors
  • Termination of action
• What is the sympathetic nervous system's response known as?

  Fight, Fright or Flight response
• What neurotransmitters are released during sympathetic effects?

  Noradrenaline (NAdr) and Adrenaline (Adr)
• What are the physiological effects of sympathetic stimulation?

  • Heart rate increases
  • Bronchioles dilate
  • Blood energy sources increase
  • GI motility decreases
  • Contraction of sphincters
  • Relaxation of detrusor and ciliary muscles
  • Mydriasis
• What can inhibit the conversion of tyrosine to dopa?

  Metyrosine
• What drug can block the transport of noradrenaline into vesicles?

  Reserpine
• How can noradrenaline reuptake be blocked?

  By cocaine and tricyclic antidepressants
• What are the methods of terminating adrenergic transmission?

  • Diffusion away from receptors
  • Reuptake into the nerve terminal
  • Enzymatic breakdown

  
• What are the principal enzymes involved in the breakdown of adrenergic transmission?

  • Catecholamine-O-Methyl Transferase
  • Monoamine Oxidase
• What two systems make up the peripheral nervous system?

  The Autonomic and Somatic Nervous systems

  
• What two systems comprise the Autonomic Nervous System?

  The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

  
• Which nervous system has short pre-ganglionic fibers?

  The sympathetic nervous system
• What neurotransmitter is released at the pre-ganglionic nerve fibers of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  Acetylcholine
• What are the effects of parasympathetic stimulation?

  • Decreases heart rate
  • Dilates visceral blood vessels
  • Increases digestive activity
  • Bronchoconstriction
  • GI motility increases
  • Relaxation of sphincters
  • Contraction of detrusor and ciliary muscles
  • Miosis

  
• What is the term for transmission at cholinergic synapses?

  Transmission at cholinergic synapses is termed cholinergic
• What neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic parasympathetic fibers?

  Acetylcholine (ACh)
• What neurotransmitter is released by some postganglionic sympathetic fibers?

  Acetylcholine (ACh)
• What is the collective term for noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine?

  Collectively called catecholamines
• What do beta adrenergic receptors stimulate?

  Production of cAMP and PKA
• What does the alpha subunit of beta adrenergic receptors activate?

  Adenylate cyclase to produce cAMP

  
• What do alpha1 adrenergic receptors primarily produce?

  Production of Ca$^{2+}$
• What is the role of calmodulin in alpha1 adrenergic receptor activation?

  Activates protein kinase, modifying enzyme actions

  
• What is the effect of alpha2 adrenergic receptors located on presynaptic terminals?

  Decreases release of noradrenaline

  
• What are the effects of adrenergic stimulation on smooth muscle?

  • Alpha1: Constricts visceral smooth muscles
  • Alpha2: Contraction of smooth muscle
  • Beta1: Increases heart rate and force
  • Beta2: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscles
  • Beta3: Liberates free fatty acids in adipose tissue

  
• What are the effects of sympathetic stimulation on the iris?

  Pupil dilation
• What are the effects of parasympathetic stimulation on the iris?

  Pupil constriction
• How does sympathetic stimulation affect salivary glands?

  Reduces saliva production
• How does parasympathetic stimulation affect salivary glands?

  Increases saliva production
• What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

  Increases heart rate and force
• What is the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the heart?

  Decreases heart rate and force

  
• How does sympathetic stimulation affect the lungs?

  Relaxes bronchial muscle
• What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the stomach?

  Reduces peristalsis
• How does parasympathetic stimulation affect the lungs?

  Contracts bronchial muscle
• What is the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the stomach?

  Increases gastric juice secretion and motility
• How does sympathetic stimulation affect the liver?

  Increases conversion of glycogen to glucose