Colleges

The student will be taught the following:
A. Basic principles of pharmacology, definition of a drug, drug nomenclature, sources of drugs, and drug use during pregnancy.
B. The drug development process, from preclinical stages to clinical trials, and the drug approval process by competent regulatory authorities.
C. Definition of drug interactions, study of their various mechanisms, and common categories of drugs known to cause drug interactions.
Different terms used in drug development and use, such as agonist and antagonist, and how drugs interact with large molecules, such as receptors, in the body to produce pharmacological effects.
h. Pharmacokinetic aspects, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
v. Pharmacodynamic information, including receptor roles, dose-response curve types, and brief information on adverse effect types.
The autonomic nervous system is a division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. It is composed of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes "rest and digest" functions. The distribution of receptors in different organs and their excitatory effects are crucial for the autonomic nervous system's function. These receptors, primarily adrenergic (acting on adrenaline and noradrenaline) and cholinergic (acting on acetylcholine), are strategically located on target organs to mediate the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation. **Sympathetic Nervous System:** * **Heart:** Primarily adrenergic $\alpha_1$ and $\beta_1$ receptors. Stimulation leads to increased heart rate and contractility (excitatory). * **Blood Vessels:** Adrenergic $\alpha_1$ and $\beta_2$ receptors. * $\alpha_1$ receptors in most vascular smooth muscle cause vasoconstriction (excitatory, increasing blood pressure). * $\beta_2$ receptors in skeletal muscle blood vessels cause vasodilation (excitatory, increasing blood flow to muscles). * **Lungs:** $\beta_2$ adrenergic receptors in bronchiolar smooth muscle. Stimulation causes bronchodilation (excitatory, increasing airflow). * **Eyes:** $\alpha_1$ adrenergic receptors in the iris dilator muscle. Stimulation causes pupillary dilation (mydriasis) (excitatory). * **Gastrointestinal Tract:** Generally inhibitory, with $\alpha$ and $\beta$ receptors mediating decreased motility and secretion. However, some sphincters have excitatory adrenergic receptors leading to contraction. * **Urinary Bladder:** $\beta_3$ adrenergic receptors in the detrusor muscle cause relaxation (inhibitory), while $\alpha_1$ receptors in the internal sphincter cause contraction (excitatory). * **Adrenal Medulla:** Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Stimulation causes the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream, which then act as hormones on various organs (excitatory response). **Parasympathetic Nervous System:** * **Heart:** Muscarinic cholinergic M2 receptors. Stimulation leads to decreased heart rate and contractility (inhibitory). * **Lungs:** Muscarinic cholinergic M3 receptors in bronchiolar smooth muscle. Stimulation causes bronchoconstriction (excitatory, decreasing airflow). * **Eyes:** Muscarinic cholinergic M3 receptors in the iris sphincter muscle cause pupillary constriction (miosis) (excitatory), and in the ciliary muscle cause accommodation for near vision (excitatory). * **Gastrointestinal Tract:** Muscarinic cholinergic M3 receptors generally mediate increased motility, secretion, and relaxation of sphincters (excitatory, promoting digestion). * **Urinary Bladder:** Muscarinic cholinergic M3 receptors in the detrusor muscle cause contraction (excitatory), while relaxation of the internal sphincter allows for urination. * **Salivary Glands:** Muscarinic cholinergic M3 receptors stimulate secretion of watery saliva (excitatory). * **Lacrimal Glands:** Muscarinic cholinergic receptors stimulate tear production (excitatory). In summary, the autonomic nervous system utilizes a complex interplay of neurotransmitters and receptors to regulate organ function. While the sympathetic system often prepares the body for action with excitatory effects like increased heart rate and bronchodilation, the parasympathetic system promotes recovery and maintenance with excitatory effects like increased gastrointestinal motility and salivation. Understanding the specific receptor distribution and their excitatory or inhibitory effects is fundamental to comprehending autonomic physiology and the development of pharmacological interventions.
h. Pharmacology of drugs classified as cholinergic agonists, anticholinergics, adrenergic agonists, and adrenergic antagonists.
d. Applying the information studied in the theoretical aspect through practical laboratory experience, thereby reinforcing the theoretical concepts of the course.