Peripheral Sites of Action

The influence of capsaicin on thermoregulation in animals has been discussed by Szolcsanyi (1981) in a review devoted largely to this topic. 

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Evidence is also accumulated for a peripheral site of action for mAChRs in antinociception (Bernardini et al., 2001 Wess et al., 2007 Wess et al.,... 

Both central and peripheral sites of action have been implicated in these alterations of motor function. In the isolated sciatic nerve-sartorius muscle preparation of the frog, A -THC blocked neuromuscular transmission by depressing sartorius presynaptic acetylcholine release [197]. However, the precise mechanisms of cannabinoid action at cellular and neurobehavioural levels are as yet unknown. 

In parasitic flatworms, 5-HT serves a variety of functions from control of carbohydrate metabolism to intra- and interorganism (host-parasite) communication (36). Rhythmical movement is stimulated by 5-HT and related indoleamines (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide) (7,8,37). This stimulatory effect, like the ACh inhibitory effect, can be obtained in the absence of the central ganglia suggesting a peripheral site of action (37). The stimulation of motility (increased contraction amplitude and frequency) in vitro suggests that 5-HT or a closely related indoleamine is an excitatory transmitter in both the trematodes F. hepatica (9, 37, 38), S. mansoni (11, 12, 39, 40), Clonorchis sinensis... 

The piperidino derivative, SU-19789B (20>. produced a stimulant effect in mice and rats similar to that of methyl-phenidate however, (20) did not change the duration of sleep induced by hexobarbital in mice (methylphenidate prolonged such sleep). Neurophysiological studies in the cat suggested a peripheral site of action for this compound. ... 

Dantrolene is a new type of skeletal muscle relaxant with a peripheral site of action. It resembles structurally diphenyl-hydantoin but acts primarily within the muscle fibre. In vitro studies indicate that the drug blocks the intracellular release of calcium without altering intracellular calcium uptake. It has been used to decrease skeletal muscle spasticity in patients with... 

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