Autonomic Pharmacology II (Adrenergic (Sympathetic) Nervous System)

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. illustrate the synthesis and metabolic fate of adrenergic neurotransmitters and discuss the clinical importance of vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) level measurement; 2. explain the structural and functional differences between adrenergic receptor types and subtypes, their locations in the body and mechanisms of pharmacological action; and 3. describe the synthesis, pharmacological actions, mechanisms of action, clinical indications, side effects and structure-activity relationship of drugs acting as agonists (direct and indirect) and antagonists on the sympathetic nervous system.

Introduction: Chemical neurotransmitters – Evidence for Noradrenaline as an adrenergic neurotransmitter, Synthesis, storage, release, metabolism, and uptake of catecholamines. Detection and bioassay of Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline. Adrenergic receptors – Types of adrenoceptors. Concept of agonists and antagonists. Sympathomimetic amines – Catecholamines, properties and uses. Sympatholytic drugs (Adrenergic Blockers) properties and uses. Structure – Activity Relationships among the sympathomimetic amines and beta-Adrenergic Blockers.