Chapter 18 – Central Nervous System
Abstract BDZs modulate the effects of GABA at GABAA receptors. The specific α-subunit type determines the BDZ pharmacology – anxiolytic or sedative. Two BDZ receptor subtypes have been identified: BZ1,…
Chapter 12 – Muscle Relaxants and Reversal Agents
Abstract The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) forms a chemical bridge between the motor neurone and skeletal muscle. The final short section of the motor nerve is unmyelinated and comes to lie…
Chapter 17 – Antihypertensives
Abstract Renin (half-life 80 minutes) splits the decapeptide angiotensin I from the circulating plasma protein angiotensinogen, which is synthesised in the liver and is present in the α2-globulin fraction of plasma…
Chapter 13 – Sympathomimetics
Abstract The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex system of neurones that controls the body’s internal milieu. It is not under voluntary control and is anatomically distinct from the…
Chapter 16 – Vasodilators
Abstract Sodium nitroprusside is usually administered as a 0.005–0.02% (50–200 μg/ml) intravenous infusion, the dose of 0.5–6 μg.kg−1.min−1 being titrated to effect. Chapter 16 Vasodilators Sodium Nitroprusside Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)…
Chapter 15 – Anti-Arrhythmics
Abstract The heart is composed of pacemaker, conducting and contractile tissue. Each has a different action potential morphology allowing the heart to function as a coordinated unit. The sino-atrial (SA)…
Chapter 9 – General Anaesthetic Agents
Abstract Our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the action of general anaesthetics has increased considerably in recent times and is discussed below. This is followed by sections discussing intravenous…
Chapter 14 – Adrenoceptor Antagonists
Abstract α-Adrenoceptor antagonists (α-blockers) prevent the actions of sympathomimetic agents on α-adrenoceptors. Certain α-blockers (phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine) are non-specific and inhibit both α1– and α2-receptors, whereas others selectively inhibit α1-receptors (prazosin)…
Chapter 11 – Local Anaesthetics
Abstract Individual nerve fibres are made up of a central core (axoplasm) and a phospholipid membrane containing integral proteins, some of which function as ion channels. Chapter 11 Local Anaesthetics…
Chapter 10 – Analgesics
Abstract Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Since pain is so highly subjective, it may also be described as…
