Parasympathomimetic
Parasympathomimetic
Parasympathomimetic (pronunciation: para-sympatho-mimetic) is a term used in Pharmacology to describe drugs or substances that mimic or stimulate the actions of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).
Etymology
The term "Parasympathomimetic" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning "beside", "sympatheia" meaning "sympathy", and "mimesis" meaning "imitation". This refers to the drug's ability to imitate the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Function
Parasympathomimetic drugs, also known as Cholinergic drugs, work by either directly stimulating the muscarinic receptors or by inhibiting the enzyme Acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down Acetylcholine. This results in an increase in acetylcholine activity, thereby mimicking the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Related Terms
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: The part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and slows the heart rate.
- Cholinergic: Referring to cells that use acetylcholine as their synaptic transmitter.
- Muscarinic Receptor: A type of receptor in the heart and smooth muscle where acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, works.
- Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.
- Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals across the synaptic cleft.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Parasympathomimetic
- Wikipedia's article - Parasympathomimetic
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