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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
There are two types of nicotinic receptors: neuromuscular (NM/NM/N1) and neuronal (NN/NN/N2). The two families differ based on their location and selectivity to...
Antidotes01:17

Antidotes

Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:22

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship

Cholinergic agonists or cholinomimetics mimic the action of acetylcholine to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. They are categorized into direct-acting and indirect-acting agents. The direct-acting cholinergic drugs induce the parasympathetic response by directly binding to the muscarinic or nicotine receptors. In comparison, the indirect-acting cholinergic drugs prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis, indirectly contributing to the extended parasympathetic response.
The direct-acting...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Testing Nicotine Tolerance in Aphids Using an Artificial Diet Experiment
06:19

Testing Nicotine Tolerance in Aphids Using an Artificial Diet Experiment

Published on: May 14, 2008

Nicotinic plant poisoning.

Leo J Schep1, Robin J Slaughter, D Michael G Beasley

  • 1National Poisons Centre, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. leo.schep@otago.ac.nz

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|September 26, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Plant-derived nicotine and related alkaloids can cause severe poisoning by affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Prompt supportive care, focusing on respiratory and cardiovascular functions, is crucial for patient recovery from these toxic plant exposures.

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Published on: October 2, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Ethnobotany

Background:

  • Numerous plants contain nicotinic and nicotinic-like alkaloids, some of which are known to cause human poisoning.
  • These toxic alkaloids share similar mechanisms of action, leading to comparable clinical presentations (toxidromes).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the taxonomy and principal alkaloids of plants containing nicotine and nicotinic-like compounds.
  • To focus on plants that are toxic to humans, detailing their toxicokinetics, mechanisms of toxicity, clinical features, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of OVID MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science.
  • Identification and review of plants containing toxic alkaloids such as nicotine, anabasine, and cytisine.
  • Analysis of toxicokinetic, mechanistic, clinical, and management data.

Main Results:

  • Key toxic plants include Conium maculatum, Nicotiana glauca, Nicotiana tabacum, Laburnum anagyroides, and Caulophyllum thalictroides.
  • Alkaloids act as agonists at nicotinic-type acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), leading to diverse effects based on dose and exposure.
  • Absorption is rapid across all routes, distribution is wide (including CNS and placenta), and elimination is renal.

Conclusions:

  • Plant-induced poisoning by nicotine and related alkaloids presents a significant toxicological concern.
  • Clinical features are typically biphasic, involving initial stimulation followed by inhibition, potentially leading to respiratory failure.
  • Effective management relies on supportive care, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory support, ensuring favorable patient outcomes.