Adrenergic Drugs  Adrenergic receptors are divided into two major types according to drug potency on the receptors  Alpha-(α-) adrenergic receptors, when activated, generally produce excitatory responses  Beta-(β-) adrenergic receptors, when activated, generally produce inhibitory responses

 -Adrenergic Receptors

 -Adrenergic Receptors

Direct-acting Adrenergic Agonists A. Catecholamines  Catecholamines, adrenergic neurotransmitters; L-norepinephrine (NE), L-epinephrine (E), & L- dopamine (DA) in addition to the synthetic analog isoproterenol  They have the following characteristics:  High potency  Rapid enzymatic inactivation by MAO & COMT as well as neuronal & non-neuronal uptake  Therefore they have short duration when given parenterally and are inactive orally  Poor ability to pass the CNS

Direct-acting Adrenergic Agonists B. Non-catecholamines  Non-catecholamines are adrenergic agonists lacking the catechol hydroxyl groups  Therefore they are of longer duration, can be given orally and they are not inactivated by COMT  They include agents like phenylephrine, ephedrine and amphetamine

General Mode of Action of Adrenergic Agonists Direct-acting agonists that act directly by binding to the adrenergic receptors, include NE, E, DA, phenylephrine & isoproterenol Indirect-acting agonists that cause the release of NE from intra-neuronal storage vesicles by the virtue of being taken up by the pre-synaptic adrenergic neurons o They include agents like amphetamine and tyramine Mixed-action agonists, ephedrine

Pharmacological Actions A. Nonselective Direct-acting Adrenergic Agonists 1- Cardiac Effects Increased force of contraction (positive inotropic effect) Enhanced automaticity of latent pacemaker cells that may lead to arrhythmias Acceleration of impulse conduction velocity (conductivity) between the atria and ventricles via shortening of the refractory period of the A-V node Increased stroke volume and cardiac output but with accompanied rise in oxygen consumption The heart efficiency (performance) is decreased in terms of lower cardiac work in relation to oxygen consumed Reflex bradycardia, NE, and E but in high doses

2) Vascular Smooth Muscle Effects NE constricts all blood vessels except the coronary vascular bed (α>β 2 ) E has mixed effects according to the vascular bed (β 2 > α), dilation in skeletal muscles, liver & coronaries Isoprenaline has purely vasodilatotory effects (β 2 >>> α)

Effects of I.V. infusion of Epinephrine, Norepinephrine & Isoprenaline in Humans

3- Effects on Gastrointestinal Tract Relaxation of GIT smooth muscle through Inhibition of the release of ACh from cholinergic neurons via activation of α 2 -adrenoceptors on cholinergic nerve terminals Stimulation of β 2 -receptors, activates adenyl cyclase- c.AMP- PKA cascade leading phophorylating inactivation of myosin-light chain kinase enzyme Stimulation of α 1 -adrenoceptors causes increased potassium channel activity resulting in increased K + conductance & hyperpolarization

4- Effects on Respiratory System  β 2 -Adrenoceptors stimulation leads to relaxation (inhibition) of bronchiolar smooth muscle and bronchodilation, and hence lowering airway resistance (Asthma)  Inhibition of antigen-mediated production of inflammatory mediators of asthma via β 2 - adrenoceptors stimulation (Asthma)  α 1 -Adrenoceptors activation results in vasoconstriction of the upper respiratory tract mucous membranes and hence lowering congestion (Nasal decogestant)

5- Effects on the Uterus They are dependent on the uterine status Norepinephrine increases the rate of contraction of pregnant human uterus Epinephrine inhibits uterine tone and contractions during the last month of pregnancy as well as at parturition This observation is the basis for the use of β 2 - adrenoceptors agonists to delay premature labor

6- Effects on the Eye Stimulation of α 1 -adrenoceptors on the radial smooth muscle of the iris leads to pupil dilation (mydriasis), theoretically result in blocking of drainage of aqueous humor and increase of IOP α 1 -adrenoceptors stimulation results in vasoconstriction that in turn causes inhibition of the formation of aqueous humor & lowering of IOP This latter effect usually predominates

7- Metabolic Effects Lipolysis is stimulated leading to increased breakage of triglcerides into free fatty acids and glycerol through activation of lipase enzymatic activity (β 1 / β 3- adrenergic receptor stimulation-increased c.AMP-PKA activation - phosphoryaltion of lipase) Hepatic & Skeletal Muscle Glycogenolysis are stimulated resulting in hyperglycemia & increased plasma glucose & lactic acid (β 2 -adrenergic receptor stimulation with subsequent activation of adenyl cyclase-c.AMP-PKA cascade-Activated PKA phosphorylates phosphorylase kinase - activates phosphorylase) Calorigenic action where oxygen consumption is increased in response to catecholamines mainly due to increased oxidisable substrate from increased lipolysis in adipose tissues

Selective α 1 -Adrenergic Agonists Phenylephrine & methoxamine o elevated systolic & diastolic BP o increased total peripheral resistance o barororeceptor mediated reflex decrease in heart rate via enhancement of vagal activity They are less potent but longer acting than norepinephrine, being non susceptible to metabolism with COMT

Therapeutic Uses of α 1 - Adrenergic Agonists Local nasal decongestant to produce vasoconstriction of nasal mucosal vasculature Treatment of supraventricular tachycardia arising in AV node and atria They elevate blood pressure & stimulate vagal activity via baroreceptor-mediated reflex action To overcome hypotension induced by some general anesthetic agent

α 2 -Adrenergic Agonists Clonidine & α-methyldopa activate α 2 -Adrenergic receptors in the lower brain stem (nucleus of tractus solitaries) leading to decreased central outflow of the sympathetic nervous system Oral intake produces a prolonged hypotensive response (Treatment of Hypertension) IV injection raises BP by direct stimulation of postsynaptic α 1 - & α 2 -Adrenergic receptors In addition, α-methyldopa is taken up by adrenergic neurons and synthesized into α-methylnorepinephrine which is a false adrenergic transmitter

β 1 -Adrenergic Agonists  Dobutamine is a synthetic dopamine analog. It is a selective β1-adrenergic agonist. On the heart, it produces a more pronounced positive inotropic effect than its chronotropic effect when compared to dopamine. There is no defined reason for such differential action  It produces renal and mesenteric vasodilation (D1- receptors) similar to dopamine  Therapeutic use of dobutamine is based on its ability to increase cardiac output via the positive inotropy with little effect on heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption o Hence, it is used in cardiogenic shock and decompensated heart failure

β 2 adrenergic receptor agonists  Terbutaline, albuterol (salbutamol), & ritodrine are selective β 2 adrenergic receptor agonists with little effect on β 1 cardiac receptors  Hence, they have the advantage of producing bronchodilation without cardiac stimulation  They produce uterine relaxation  They are given orally, IV or by inhalation and long duration of action and possess no CNS stimulation  Therapeutic uses of β 2 adrenergic receptor agonists o Treatment of bronchial asthma and bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema o Delay delivery in premature labor and in threatened abortion; ritodrine is frequently used for this purpose

Indirect- & Mixed-Acting Adrenergic Receptor Agonists Ephedrine  Chemically related to EP and stimulates release of NE  It is not a substrate for COMT or MAO & hence has long duration of action  It activates β 2 as well as α- and β 1- aderenergic receptors  It is used to treat mild cases of asthma  It crosses BBB giving rise to CNS stimulant action  It is now replaced by more selective β 2 agonists Tyramine in cheese, fermented sausage & wines o It enters synaptic vesicle and causes displacement & release of NE & normally degraded by MAO o MAO inhibitors in conjunction with tyramine- containing foods may lead to rapid release of NE & severe hypertension

Indirect- & Mixed-Acting Adrenergic Receptor Agonists  Pseudoephedrine & Phenylpropanolamine  They stimulate the release of NE  They are used as over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestants for symptomatic relief of hay fever and rhinitis  Pseudoephedrine has little β 2 agonist activity, limited CNS stimulation  Phenylpropanolamine also used to relieve upper respiratory conditions associated with common cold

Clinical uses of α- & β- Adrenergic Agonists Nasal decongestant: Vasoconstriction in nasal mucous membranes by α 1 -agonists like phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine & xylometazoline Treatment of hypotension o Selective α 1 -agonists like phenylephrine, methoxamine & mephentermine are administered parenteraly to elevate blood pressure in hypotension accompanying spinal anesthesia. They cause prompt vasoconstriction increasing total peripheral resistance and hence raising diastolic and systolic pressures o In hypovolemic shock use of α 1 -agonists has the potential to cause further impairment of microcirculation already affected by high level of catecholamine release

Clinical uses of α- & β- Adrenergic Agonists Cardiogenic shock (MI), NE, dobutamine or DA  NE is given by ONLY IV infusion at doses that raise BP, and increase cardiac contractility without serious vasoconstriction  Dopamine is advantageous in producing splanchnic and renal vasodilation (D receptors), increasing glomerular filtration and urine production  Dobutamine is more or less similar to dopamine being more selective on cardiac β 1 -adrenergic receptors

Clinical uses of α- & β- Adrenergic Agonists Anaphylactic Shock: Epinephrine is of choice given by SC route to reverse the histamine- induced broncho-constriction & hypotension Opthalmic Uses: o Mydriatics: phenylephrine & ephedrine may be used for eye examination o Glaucoma: phenylephrine or epinephrine may be used locally to decrease IOP

Clinical uses of α- & β- Adrenergic Agonists 5- Respiratory uses: o Treatment of asthma using the selective β 2 adrenergic receptor agonists including terbutaline, albuterol and orciprenaline by oral route or by inhalation. They have fewer cardiovascular stimulant effects o Relieve of congestion of upper respiratory tract in hey fever and rhinitis. For this purpose, α 1 agonists such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine & phenylpropanolamine can be used orally to produce vasoconstriction of mucous membrane vasculature

Clinical uses of α- & β- Adrenergic Agonists As Vasoconstrictors with Local Anesthetics: Epinephrine and phenylephrine may be used to produce localized vasoconstriction which inhibits systemic absorption and lower bleeding Epistaxis; Epinephrine (1:100,000 dilution) or  -agonists may be used to stop bleeding from nasal mucosa Cardiac arrest; Epinephrine or isoprenaline may be used by IV roué or by intra-cardiac injection o They may be used in complete heart block