Transmitter release and adrenergic mechanical responses in the heart: effect of papaverine and imidazole

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Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:27

Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification01:27

Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification

Adrenergic receptors, or adrenoceptors, respond to the autonomic neurotransmitter noradrenaline and other endogenous catecholamine agonists. They are classified into two main families, α and β, based on their pharmacological response and are further subdivided depending on their location, elicited response, and affinity to specific agonists or antagonists.
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype01:31

Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype

Adrenoceptors are classified into α and ꞵ classes based on their potencies to catecholamine agonists. α-adrenoceptors show the following order of catecholamine potency:
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents01:30

Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents

Drugs that mimic the action of endogenous catecholamines like noradrenaline and adrenaline are called adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics. Based on their mechanism of action, sympathomimetics can be classified as direct-, indirect-, or mixed-acting sympathomimetics. Direct-acting adrenergic agonists activate adrenoceptors without affecting presynaptic neurons, making them independent of neuronal catecholamine-depleting agents like reserpine and guanethidine.
These agents can be classified...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers01:16

Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers

In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates,  such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...