📖 Pharmacology
Structure of the CNS
PharmacologyStructure of the CNS
The CNS is a highly complex tissue that controls all of the body activities and serves as a processing center that links the body to the outside world.
It is an assembly of interrelated “parts”and “systems”that regulate their own and each other’s activity.
1-Brain
2-Spinal cord
The brain is formed of 3 main parts:
I. The forebrain
• cerebrum
• thalamus
• hypothalamus
II. The midbrain
III. The hindbrain
• cerebellum
• pons
• medulla oblongata
Different Parts of the Different Parts of the CNS & their functions CNS & their functions
The cerebrum(cerebral hemispheres):
It constitutes the largest division of the brain.
The outer layer of the cerebrum is known as the “cerebral cortex”.
The cerebral cortex is divided into different functional areas:
1.Motorareas(voluntary movements)
2.Sensoryareas(sensation)
3.Associationareas(higher mental activities as consciousness, memory, and behavior).
Deep in the cerebral hemispheres are located the “basal ganglia” which include the “corpus striatum”& “substantianigra”.
The basal gangliaplay an important role in the control of “motor”activities
The thalamus:
It functions as a sensory integrating center for well-being and malaise.
It receives the sensory impulses from all parts of the body and relays them to specific areas of the cerebral cortex.
The hypothalamus:
It serves as a control center for the entire autonomic nervous system.
It regulates blood pressure, body temperature, water balance, metabolism, and secretions of the anterior pituitary gland.
The mid-brain:
It serves as a “bridge”area which connects the cerebrum to the cerebellum and pons.
It is concerned with “motor coordination”.
The cerebellum:
It plays an important role in maintaining the appropriate bodyposture& equilibrium.
The pons:
It bridges the cerebellum to the medulla oblongata.
The “locus ceruleus”is one of the important areas of the pons.
The medulla oblongata:
It serves as an organ of conduction for the passage of impulses between the brain and spinal cord.
It contains important centers:
• cardioinhibitory
• vasomotor
• respiratory
• vomiting(chemoreceptor trigger zone, CTZ).
The spinal cord:
It is a cylindrical mass of nerve cells that extends from the end of the medulla oblongata to the lower lumbar vertebrae.
Impulses flow from and to the brain through descending and ascending tracts of the spinal cord.
ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS
PharmacologyANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS
Blocks the action of Ach on autonomic effectors.
Classification
Natural Alkaloids - Atropine. Hyoscine
Semi-synthetic deriuvatives:- Homatropine, Homatropine methylbromide, Atropine methonitrate.
Synthetic compounds
(a) Mydriatics - Cyclopentolate. Tropicamide.
(b) Antisecretory - Antispasmodics - Propantha1ine. Oxy-phenonium, Pirenzipine.
c) Antiparkinsonism- Benzotopine, Ethopropazine, Trihexyphenidyl, Procyclidine, Biperiden
Other drugs with anticholinergic properties • Tricyclic Antidepressants • Phenothiazines • Antihistaminics • Disopyramide
MUSCARINIC RECEPTORS SUBTYPES & ANTAGONISTS
• M 1 Antagonists – Pirenzepine, Telenzepine, dicyclomine, trihexyphenidyl
• M 2 Antagonists – Gallamine, methoctramine
• M 3 Antagonists – Darifenacin, solifenacin, oxybutynin, tolterodine
Pharmacological Actions
CNS - stimulation of medullary centres like vagal. respiratory. vasomotor and inhibition of vestibular excitation and has anti-motion sickness properties.
CVS - tachycardia.
Eye - mydriasis
Smooth muscles - relaxation of the muscles receiving parnsympathetic motor innervation.
Glands - decreased secretion of sweat and salivary glands
Body Temperature - is increased as there is stimulation of temperature regulating centre.
Respiratory System- Bronchodilatation & decrease in secretions. For COPD or Asthma - antimuscarinic drugs are effective
GIT - Pirenzepine & Telenzepine - decrease gastric secretion with lesser side effects.
Fourth Generation:
PharmacologyFourth Generation:
These are extended spectrum antibiotics. They are resistant to beta lactamases.
Cefipime
Classification for drugs used in cough.
PharmacologyCough is a protective reflex which helps in expulsion of respiratory secretion or foreign particles which are irritant to respiratory
tract. Irritation to any part of respiratory tract starting from pharynx to lungs carried impulses by afferent fibres in vagus and
sympathetic nerve to the cough centre in the medulla oblongata. \
Cough may be dry (without sputum or unproductive) or productive (with sputum production).
Classification for drugs used in cough.
I. Pharyngeal demulcents
Certain lozenges, linctus and cough drops containing glycerine, liquorice and syrups.
II. Expectorants
Sodium and potassium citrate
Sodium and potassium acetate
Potassium iodide
Ammonium chloride & carbonate
Acetylcysteine
Bromhexine
Guaiphenesin
III. Antitussive
i. Opioids
Codeine (as linctus) Pholcodeine
ii. Non-opioids
Noscapine
Dextromethorphan
Pipazethate
iii. Antihistaminics
Chlorpheniramine
Diphenhydramine
Promethazine
Erdosteine is recently introduced mucolytic with unique protective functions for the respiratory tract. It is indicated in the treatment of acute and chronic airway diseases such as bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngopharyngitis and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
