Affect the Sympathetic Nervous System

Q14 MAOIs, such as phenelzine and isocarboxazid, affect the sympathetic nervous system by inhibiting one or both forms of brain monoamine oxidase. Their sympathomimetic effects can produce a feeling of well-being and increased energy, which is helpful for depressed patients. However, psychosis may occur in a susceptible individual or may follow over-administration of these agents. An increase in sympathomimetic action (such as occurs with use of amphetamines, which increase the release of noradrenaline) can result in a lethal hypertensive crisis. In addition, a hypertensive crisis can also be initiated if the patient consumes a diet rich in amines foods with a high amine content include cheese, pickles, broad beans and wine. 

Tyrosine is a (crystalline) amino add with the formula HOQH4CH2CH(NH2) COOH. It results from the hydrolysis of proteins, that is, the reaction of proteins with water. The -C6H4- group within the compoimd denotes a ring-type stmcture. Another definition provided is that tyrosine is found in most proteins and can be synthesized metabolically from phenylalanine. Furthermore, tyrosine is a precursor for thyroid hormones, melanin (the dark pigment of body parts, notably, the skin), and catecholamines (that affect the sympathetic nervous system). 

DRUGS THAT AFFECT THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM... 

Drugs that Affect the Sympathetic Nervous System... 

In addition, norepinephrine works as a neurotransmitter and affects the sympathetic nervous system in the heart, lungs, blood vessels, bladder, gut, and other... 

Common adverse events clonidine has a centrally mediated sedative effect. Other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines and opioids, may enhance the sedative effects of clonidine. Neuraxial clonidine can also affect the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in hypotension and bradycardia. When clonidine is used as a neuraxial adjunct analgesic, its hemodynamic effects may be enhanced by other neuraxial medications, particularly as local anesthetics. AU effects are dose- dependent. 

General types of physiological functions attributed to quaternary ammonium compounds are curare action, muscarinic—nicotinic action, and ganglia blocking action. The active substance of curare is a quaternary that can produce muscular paralysis without affecting the central nervous system or the heart. Muscarinic action is the stimulation of smooth-muscle tissue. Nicotinic action is primary transient stimulation and secondary persistent depression of sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia. 

Adrenaline is the main hormone released from the adrenal medulla. The glandular cells in this structure correspond to the second, postganglionic neuron of the sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, adrenaline can be found in chromaffin cells in various tissues. For the better understanding of the function of noradrenaline it is important to realize that this substance, as a neuronal transmitter, affects only the innervated target structure, that is it acts mainly locally. Among these effects are the activation of the musculus dilatator to widen the pupillae in response to a reduced light intensity, an increase in heart rate as a response to a blood pressure drop due to a reduction of the peripheral resistance or constriction... 

Hydralazine is generally reserved for moderately hypertensive ambulatory patients whose blood pressure is not well controlled either by diuretics or by drugs that interfere with the sympathetic nervous system. It is almost always administered in combination with a diuretic (to prevent Na+ retention) and a p-blocker, such as propranolol (to attenuate the effects of reflex cardiac stimulation and hyperreninemia). The triple combination of a diuretic, -blocker, and hydralazine constitutes a unique hemodynamic approach to the treatment of hypertension, since three of the chief determinants of blood pressure are affected cardiac output (p-blocker). 

Multiple sites in the CNS are affected by LSD. The drug shows serotonin (5-HT) agonist activity at presynaptic receptors in the midbrain, binding to both 5-HT and 5-HT2 receptors. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system occurs, which causes pupillary dilation, increased blood pressure, piloerection, and increased body temperature. Taken orally, low doses of LSD can induce hallucinations with brilliant colors, and mood alteration occurs. Tolerance and physical dependence have occurred, but true dependence is rare. Adverse effects include hyperreflexia, nausea, and muscular weakness. Sometimes high doses produce long-lasting psychotic changes in susceptible individuals. Haloperidol (see p. 127) and other neuroleptics can block the hallucinatory action of LSD and quickly abort the syndrome. 

Cocaine may directly affect the fetal cardiovascular system or do so by increasing the concentrations of circulating catecholamines and activating the sympathetic nervous system. 

Norepinephrine Mostly excitatory, but inhibitory in some areas. Secreted by neurons in the locus ceruleus (subcortical area) to widespread areas of the brain, controlling wakefulness, overall activity, and mood. Also diffusely secreted in the sympathetic nervous system. Diffuse and widespread symptoms, including depression, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and diffuse physiological responses, among many others. An important transmitter in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. Diffusely affected by many medications. Several antidepressants work specifically on this neurotransmitter and its receptor sites. Many medications for general medical conditions affect this neurotransmitter as well. 

The activation of the stress systems affects all tissues of the organism, and the peripheral immune system is no exception. These effects are mediated through at least tw o pathways via the HPA axis and by virtue of the innervation of lymphatic tissues by autonomic nerve fibers, especially from the sympathetic nervous system. All lymphoid tissues, primary (bone marrow and thymus) as well as secondary (spleen, lymph nodes, and gut-associated lymphoid tissue) are innervated by sympathetic nerve fibers. As discussed above, most lymphoid cells express catecholamine receptors, including B-lymphocytes, CD4- and CD 8-positive T cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages. 

The u.se of agents that directly affect the peripheral component of the sympathetic nervous system represents an important approach to the treatment of hypertension. A second approach to modifying sympathetic influence on the conllo-vascular. system is through inhibition or reduction of CNS control of blixxl pressure. Several widely used medicalirss act by stimulating receptors, which in the CNS reducer sympathetic outflow to the cardiovascular system and produces a hypotensive effect. 

A review of adrenergic innervation of the manunalian oviduct includes a summary of drugs that modify the sympathetic nervous system and affect ovum transport and fertility.125 plants are a relatively untapped potential source of new antifertility agents.126... 

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