Parasympatholytic

Parasympatholytic (pronunciation: /ˌparəˌsimpəˈthäləˌtik/) refers to a type of drug or substance that inhibits the actions or effects of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).

Etymology

The term "Parasympatholytic" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning "against", "sympathos" meaning "suffering" or "feeling", and "lytikos" meaning "able to loosen" or "dissolve". Thus, it literally means "against the feelings that are able to dissolve", referring to its function of inhibiting the actions of the PNS.

Function

Parasympatholytic drugs work by blocking the acetylcholine receptors in the PNS, thereby inhibiting the nerve impulses that are transmitted by these receptors. This results in a decrease in the activity of the PNS, leading to effects such as increased heart rate, decreased salivation, dilation of the pupils, and relaxation of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

Examples

Examples of parasympatholytic drugs include atropine, scopolamine, and ipratropium bromide. These drugs are often used in the treatment of conditions such as bradycardia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Related Terms

Parasympathomimetic: A drug or substance that stimulates the actions or effects of the PNS.
Sympatholytic: A drug or substance that inhibits the actions or effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
Sympathomimetic: A drug or substance that stimulates the actions or effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Parasympatholytic
Wikipedia's article - Parasympatholytic

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Parasympatholytic