Stimulation, peripheral

The antihistamines appear to block peripheral stimulation of the emetic center. They are therefore most ef-... 

Pilocarpine is a widely studied peripheral stimulant of the parasympathetic system (101). It is used topically as a myotic to counteract the mydriatic effect of atropine and other parasympatholytic drugs. It has clinical value in the treatment of glaucoma when used as eye drop solutions ranging from 0.5 to 10% in concentration (102). Pilocarpine is reported to stimulate the growth of hair and therefore was employed in hair lotions (1). Internally, it was used as a diaphoretic in the treatment of nephritis (103). 

The application of noradrenaline, by iontophoretic injection, to single central neurones has produced information which partially clarifies an otherwise confusing situation. In this type of experiment, neurones are directly studied and the nature of any change produced can be described in terms of membrane changes which can be compared with those known to be associated with transmitter action. The possibility that the observed effects are being complicated by concurrent peripheral stimulation or inhibition is excluded. Several groups of workers have shown that in a number of areas of the brain and in the spinal cord, noradrenaline has a predominantly... 

A. Amphetamine and related drugs activate the sympathetic nen/ous system via central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, peripheral release of catecholamines, inhibition of neuronal reuptake of catecholamines, and inhibition of monoamine oxidase. Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine cause serotonin release and block neuronal serotonin uptake. The various drugs have different profiles of action resulting in different levels of CNS and peripheral stimulation. 

Several alkaloids derived from histidine occur in plants. Probably the best known of these is pilocarpine (5), found in species of Pilocarpus (Rutaceae) (Fig. 37.2). This compound is a peripheral stimulant of the parasympathetic system and is used topically as a myotic to counteract the mydriatic effects of atropine and other parasympatholytic drugs. Pilocarpine is used for the treatment of glaucoma (as a 0.5-10% solution). 

Amphetamine derivatives (l-arylpropan-2-amines) represent a subclass of chiral amines with interesting pharmacological properties. Most of them show central and peripheral stimulant activity by means of multiple actions at serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes, and their applications cover, for instance, the treatment of sleep disorders. 

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