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Antihistamines and Serotonin
N/A
27
Pharmacology
Graduate
02/27/2010

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Cards

Term
What is histamine synthesized from? (Precursor and enzyme)
Definition
Histidine and histidine decarboxylase
Term
What are the normal physiological functions of histamine?
Definition
Growth and regeneration, neurotransmitter, regulates microcirculation
Term
What type of injury causes histamine release?
Definition
  1. Inflammatory response
  2. Mechanical, thermal, radiant
  3. Chemical injury (venom, morphine)
Term
Where is histamine stored?
Definition
Mast cells and blood basophils
Term
What are the downstream effects of histamine?
Definition

Vascular: arterial constriction, terminal vessel dilation, increased vascular permeability

PNS: sensory neuron stimulation to cause itching and pain

CNS: wakefulness, nausea

Smooth Muscle: bronchiolar and intestinal smooth muscle constriction

Muscarinic: increased mucous secretion in lungs, stomach, and mouth

Term
What is the mechanism of action of H1 antihistamines?
Definition
Inverse agonists of H1 receptors
Term
What are the effects of H1 antihistamines?
Definition
  1. Sedative
  2. Anti-nausea
  3. Can be excitatory in young children
  4. Drying of mucous membranes
  5. Anesthetic
  6. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle
  7. Anti-allergy
Term
Why do H1 antihistamines dry out mucous membranes?
Definition
They block muscarinic cholinergic receptors
Term
Why does H1 antihistamine act as an anesthetic?
Definition
Blocks sodium channels
Term
What are therapeutic indications for H1 Antihistamines?
Definition
Allergic responses, anti-emetics, sedatives
Term
Which generation of H1 blockers can enter the CNS?
Definition
First generation
Term
What are the first generation H1 blockers?
Definition
Diphenhydramine, Clemastine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydroxyzine, Promethazine, Tripelennamine
Term
What first generation H1 blocker is commonly used as a sedative?
Definition
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Term
Which first class H1 blockers are commonly used as anti-emetics?
Definition
Hydroxyzine and promethazine
Term
Which H1 blockers cannot enter the CNS?
Definition
Loradatine, Fexofenadine, Desloratadine, and Cetirizine
Term
Side effects of H1 antihistamines?
Definition
Can interact with alcohol, possible allergic response, dry mouth/blurred vision/constipation
Term
What are the downstream effects of H2 blockers?
Definition
Decrease hydrogen ion secretion from parietal cells of the stomach
Term
What are the H2 blockers?
Definition
Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine
Term
What is the enzyme pathway for synthesis of serotonin?
Definition
Tryptophan --(tryptophan hydroxylase) --> 5-hydroxytryptophan--(aromatic aminoacid decarboxylase)--> 5-OH tryptamine (5HT)
Term
What are the physiological functions of serotonin?
Definition

1. Smooth muscle constriction

2. Activates sensory neurons

3. CNS neurotransmitter

4. Induces nausea in CNS

Term
Where is serotonin found?
Definition
Enterochromaffin cells in the gut and in platelets
Term
What is carcinoid syndrome? Symptoms?
Definition
Non-malignant tumor of enterochromaffin cells that leads to an overproduction of serotonin. Causes diarrhea and cramping, bronchospasm, skin flushing, and pellegra
Term
What condition did Dr. Fertel mention that are treated with serotonin agonists? How do they help?
Definition
Migraine headaches. Migraines are caused by dilation of blood vessels in the head, and serotonin agonists cause blood vessel constriction.
Term
What are the 5HT1 agonists?
Definition
Sumatriptan, other "triptans", and ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine)
Term
What are the effects of Sumatriptan?
Definition
Cause CNS vasoconstriction, decrease peptide neurotransmitters
Term
What is ergotism and how is it caused?
Definition
Consumption of ergot alkaloids from moldy bread. Causes severe vasospasms that lead to gangrene
Term
What are the side effects of the ergot alkaloids?
Definition
  1. Life-threatening vasospasms
  2. Can have LSD-like effect on the CNS
  3. Can cause uterine contractions (category X)
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