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Sympathomimetic drugSympathomimetic drugs are substances that mimic the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) and the hormone/neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline). They all raise blood pressure and are all weak bases. Additional recommended knowledge
Mechanisms of actionThe mechanisms of sympathomimetic drugs are to act as catecholamine synthesis precursors, norepinephrine transporter blockade, adrenergic receptor agonism, inhibition of epinephrine and norepinephrine metabolism and/or cholinergic inhibition. Synthesis precursorSynthesis precursors of catecholamines stimulate the catecholamine synthesis. One example is levodopa. Norepinephrine transporter blockadeClassical sympathomimetic drugs are amphetamines (including MDMA), ephedrine and cocaine, which act by blocking and reversing norepinephrine transporter (NET) activity. NET is a transport protein expressed on the surface of some cells that clears noradrenaline and adrenaline from the extracellular space and into cells, terminating the signaling effects. Adrenergic receptor agonismDirect stimulation of the α- and β-adrenergic receptors can produce sympathomimetic effects. Albuterol is a very commonly used direct-acting β2-agonist. Inhibition of epinephrine and norepinephrine metabolismInhibition of norepinephrine metabolism can produce sympathomimetic effects. Norepinephrine is mainly metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase, the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drugs can induce such effects. Cholinergic inhibitionSympathomimetic drugs may also work by inhibiting the opposite system, i.e. the parasympathetic system. It does so by inhibiting the effects of acetylcholine, e.g. by inhibiting synaptic vesicle release, antagonize acetylcholine receptors,
Cross-reactivitySubstances like cocaine also affect dopamine, and some substances like MDMA affect serotonin. Norepinephrine is synthesized by the body into epinephrine, causing central nervous system stimulation. Thus, all sympathomimetic amines fall into the larger group of stimulants (see psychoactive drug chart). Many of these stimulants have therepeutic use and abuse potential, can induce tolerance, and possibly physical dependence. See also
Categories: Sympathetic nervous system | Sympathomimetic amines |
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Sympathomimetic_drug". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |