Adrenergic Agonists
Adrenergic Agonists
Adrenergic Agonists (pronunciation: ad-ren-er-jik a-go-nists) are a class of pharmacological agents that act as stimulants for the adrenergic receptors in the nervous system.
Etymology
The term "Adrenergic Agonists" is derived from the Greek words "adrenes" meaning 'near the kidney' and "agonistes" meaning 'competitor'. This refers to the drugs' ability to compete with natural neurotransmitters for binding to adrenergic receptors.
Types of Adrenergic Agonists
Adrenergic Agonists can be classified into two main types:
- Direct-acting Adrenergic Agonists: These drugs directly stimulate the adrenergic receptors.
- Indirect-acting Adrenergic Agonists: These drugs stimulate the release of norepinephrine from storage vesicles in the nerve endings.
Mechanism of Action
Adrenergic Agonists work by binding to and activating adrenergic receptors, which are found on the surface of cells in the heart, lungs, and other organs. This activation triggers a series of events within the cell that results in an increased heart rate, dilation of the bronchial passages, and other physiological changes.
Clinical Uses
Adrenergic Agonists are used in the treatment of various medical conditions including asthma, hypotension, and certain types of glaucoma. They are also used in emergency situations to treat anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenergic Agonists
- Wikipedia's article - Adrenergic Agonists
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