Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Terms to be familiar withFYI**- Sympathetic (Epi and Nor-epi) and Parasympathetic
(Acetylcholine) fall under the Autonomic Nervous Systemwhich regulates smooth muscle
1. Adrenergic Nervous System- is a group of organs and
nerves in which epinephrine and norepinephrine acts as a
neurotransmitter. These neurotransmitters play a role in the
FIGHT or Flight response. The fight or flight response is
regulated by the Sympathetic Nervous system.
2. Cholinergic Nervous System- is a group of organs and
nerves in which Acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter.
This neurotransmitter plays a role in the rest and digest
response. The rest and digest response is regulated by the
Parasympathetic Nervous System.
3. Agonist- A substance which initiates a physiological
response (neurotransmitter) when combined with a receptor
site.
4. Antagonist- A substance that interferes with or inhibits the
physiological response of another (neurotransmitter) at the
receptor site.
5. Neurotransmitter- a chemical substance that is released at
the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and
diffuses across the synapse or junction – causing the
transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber or receptor site.
(A chemical substance made by a neuron to transmit a
message)
6. Receptor Sites of the (Adrenergic) Sympathetic Nervous
system- Alpha 1, Alpha 2, Beta 1 and Beta 2
7. Receptor Sites of the Parasympathetic Nervous SystemMuscarinic (smooth muscle-autonomic-heart lungs) and
Nicotinic (skeletal muscle-somatic)
M2 (Muscarinic)- smooth muscle and cardiac tissue
M1 & M3 Gastro-intestinal and salivary glands
8. Adrenergic Agonist- is a drug that stimulates (mimics the
action of epinephrine or norepinephrine) a response from the
from the adrenergic receptors – Alpha 1, Alpha 2, Beta 1 and
Beta 2.
EXAMPLE (NEED TO KNOW) is --Albuterol
Don’t forget that --Beta 1 receptor site- affects the heart
Beta 2 receptor site- affect the lungs
Helpful hint- -- 1 heart and 2 lungs
Albuterol is a Beta 2 Adrenergic agonist
FYI- There are
1. Short Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA)- which is used as
“rescue” to provide quick relief of asthma
symptoms—example- ALBUTEROL
2. Long Acting Beta Agonist (LABA)- which is a slower
release of medication-and are used on a (temporarily)
regular schedule-(Not emergency) to open narrowed
airways and prevent asthma attacks. ***This class of
medication- has to be given along with an inhaled
corticosteroids- to treat underlying cause of asthma(Inflammation)- example- Salmeterol and Formoterol.
** When you stimulate the adrenergic (Sympathetic) nervous
system- you create a fight or flight response
Response on the bodyIncreased Blood Pressure
Increased Heart Rate
Bronchodilation
Pupils Dilate- Mydriasis
Conversion of glycogen to glucose
9. Adrenergic Antagonist- is a drug that inhibits a response
from the adrenergic receptors.
Example is a Beta Blocker- Carvedilol
Response on the bodyLowered Blood Pressure
Lowered Heart Rate
Bronchoconstriction
Pupils Constrict- Miosis
10. Cholinergic Agonist- is a drug that mimics the action of
the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine on the cholinergic
receptors.
Response on the bodyLowered Blood Pressure
Lowered Heart Rate
Bronchoconstriction
Pupils Constrict- Miosis
Example- Methacholine- which is an inhaled drug that
causes mild narrowing (Bronchoconstriction) of the
bronchioles- which is used for diagnosing asthma
11. Cholinergic Antagonist- (Anticholinergic)- is a drug that
binds to the cholinergic receptor sites and prevents the
effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach)
Response to the bodyIncreased Blood Pressure
Increased Heart Rate
Bronchodilation
Pupils Dilate- Mydriasis
EXAMPLE (NEED TO KNOW) is- Ipratropium Bromide(Atrovent  )
12. Corticosteroids- Anti-inflammatory-which treats the
underlying cause of acute asthma attacks by inhibiting
multiple inflammatory cytokines
Examples- Fluticasone (Flovent) –Inhaled Corticosteroid
Make sure that patients rinse their mouths after use.