Autonomic drugs

–cholinergic agonists/antagonists

–(neuromuscular blockers)

–adrenergic agonists/antagonists

 albuterol

Features of the

parasympathetic

nervous system

-as with pre-ganglionic neurons, parasympathetic post-  ganglionic neurons also release ACh

–target organs have muscarinic cholinergic (M) receptors

–general “cranio-sacral” distribution

–ganglia are found in or near target organs

–in general, organized for local regulationof innervated target organs

Features of the

sympathetic

nervous system

-post-ganglionic neurons release norepinephrine (NE; AKA noradrenaline)

-target organs have adrenergic receptors

           *two basic families :alpha (α) and beta (β)

–general “thoraco-lumbar” distribution

–ganglia are organized along the vertebral column

–in general, organized for coordinated activation of all innervated target organs

–also innervates the inner core of the adrenal glands (i.e. adrenal medullae)

–released AChstimulates nicotinic receptors on chromaffin cells

–chromaffincells release epinephrine (Epi; AKA adrenaline) into the bloodstream

–epinephrine stimulates adrenergic receptors in target organs