Pharmacology Notes

Uveitis – infl ammation of the uvea (the vascular middle layer of the eye, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid)

Sympathomimetic – adrenergic, or producing an eff ect similar to that obtained by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

Sympatholytic – inhibiting or opposing adrenergic nerve function; sympatholytic agents are also known as adrenergic blocker agents

Somnolence – prolonged drowsiness that may last hours to days

Pheochromocytoma – a usually benign tumor of the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic nervous system in which the aff ected cells secrete increased amounts of epinephrine or norepinephrine

Parasympathomimetic – producing effects similar to those produced when a parasympathetic nerve is stimulated

Norepinephrine – the chemical transmitter released by all postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system

Mydriasis – dilation of the pupil

Necrosis – death of a group of cells of tissues

Miosis – contraction of the pupil of the eye

Epinephrine – a major transmitter released by the adrenal medulla

Iritis – infl ammation of the iris

Dopamine receptors – an adrenergic receptor

Cycloplegia – paralysis of the ciliary muscles of the eye, resulting in loss of visual accommodation

Congenital megacolon – congenital dilation and hypertrophy of the colon due to reduction in motor neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in extreme constipation, and if untreated, growth retardation; also known as Hirschsprung’s disease

Cholinergic receptor – receptors that mediate responses to acetylcholine

Beta-receptors – an adrenergic receptor; there are two types: beta1 and beta2

Alpha-receptors – an adrenergic receptor; there are two types: alpha1 and alpha2

Adrenergic blocker agents – drugs that antagonize the secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine from sympathetic terminal neurons; also known as sympatholytics

Adrenergic receptor – receptors that mediate responses to epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine