ANS Physiology and Pharmacology
Overview | Review of Autonomic Nervous System
Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Widmaier, EP. Vander’s human physiology 14th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2016.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Overall Goal
“ Deconstruction, Reconstruction,
Integration and Relationships”
2
The nineteenth-century physiologist
Claude Bernard put it this way:
“After carrying out an analysis of
phenomena, we must . . . always
reconstruct our physiological
synthesis, so as to see the joint
action of all the parts we have
isolated. . .”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bernard

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Topics Outline
3
 Homeostasis
 Basic Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of ANS
 Neurotransmitters
 Receptors
 Receptor-Ligand Interactions & Signal Transduction
 Autonomic and Somatic Pharmacology Terminology

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Learning Objectives
4
After this presentation the learner should be able:
To describe the two divisions of the ANS and the main functions and
effects of each division.
To explain how sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves interact with
each other to regulate organ function (maintain homeostasis)
To describe the fight or flight reaction and explain how sympathetic
activation affects the activities of the different organs
To list the main organ effects caused by parasympathetic stimulation
To describe the different autonomic receptors that are stimulated by
acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine
To describe signaling mechanisms and pharmacology of ANS receptor
subtypes

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
5
 Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is part of
nervous system responsible for homeostasis
 Except for skeletal muscle, which gets its
innervation from somatomotor nervous system,
innervation to all other organs is supplied by
ANS

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
ANS vs. Endocrine System in
Homeostasis
6
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is moment-to-moment
regulator of internal environment regulating specific functions
that occur without conscious control:
 respiration
 circulation
 digestion
 body temperature
 metabolism
 sweating, secretions of certain endocrine glands
Endocrine system, in contrast, provides slower, more
generalized regulation by secreting hormones into the systemic
circulation to act at distant, widespread sites over periods of
minutes to hours to days

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
ANS and Endocrine System
[common properties]
7
 high-level integration in the brain
 ability to influence processes in distant
regions of body
 extensive use of negative feedback
 maintaining homeostasis
 both systems use chemicals for
transmission of information

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
8
 Referring to animal systems, 20th
century physiologist Walter
Cannon coined the word
homeostasis in 1926
 “Coordinated physiological reactions
which maintain most of the steady
states in the body are so complex,
and are so peculiar to the living
organism, that it was suggested
(Cannon, 1929) that a specific
designation for these states be
employed – homeostasis”
Courtesy National Library of Medicine
Walter Cannon coined word homeostasis
Cannon, WB, Organization for Physiological Homeostasis.pdf
Physiological Rev July 1, 1929 9:399-431
Also see: Cray MI. Walter Cannon, Homeostasis and the Physiological Response
to Stress, A Web Interactive PowerPoint Presentation

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
9
Homeostasis (1)
 The physiologic process of maintaining an
internal environment (ECF environment)
compatible w normal health
 Autonomic reflexes maintain set points and
modulate organ system functions via
negative feedback in pursuit of homeostasis

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Homeostasis (2)
10
A dynamic steady state of constituents in internal
environment (ECF) that surrounds and exchanges
materials with cells
Factors homeostaticly maintained include:
(Controlled Variables)
 Concentration of nutrient molecules
 Concentration of O2 and CO2
 Concentration of waste products
 pH
 Concentration of water, salts, and other electrolytes
 Temperature
 Volume and pressure
 GFR
 …and others

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D. 11
Nervous Endocrine
WirelessWired
Hormones
Short Distance Long Distance
Closeness Receptor Specificity
Rapid Onset Delayed Onset
Short Duration Prolonged Duration
Rapid Response Regulation
versus
Neurotransmitters Hormones
Short Distance Long Distance
Homeostasis (3)

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
12
ERROR
SIGNAL
COMPARATOR
SET
POINT
+
-
CONTROLLED
VARIABLE
(SEE NEXT SLIDE)
SENSOR
EFFECTOR
-NEGATIVE
FEEDBACK
Components of a negative
feedback control system
Negative feedback:
Initiation of responses
that counter deviations of
controlled variables
from their normal range
Measures control variable
Recognizes deviation of
normal set point value
Redrawn after: Kibble JD, Halsey CR, Homeostasis. In: Medical Physiology -The Big Picture; McGraw-Hill , 2009; 2.
Attempt to restore
set point value
Important variable maintained
within a normal range Effector opposes stimulus
stretch receptors, chemo-,
baro-, osmo-, and thermo-
receptors etc.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
13
Controlled Variable Typical Set Point Value
(Arterial Blood Sample)
Arterial O2 partial pressure
Arterial CO2 partial pressure
Arterial blood pH
Glucose
Core body temperature
Serum Na+
Serum K+
Serum Ca2+
Mean arterial blood pressure
Glomerular filtration rate
100 mm Hg
40 mm Hg
pH 7.4
90 mg/dL (5 mM)
98.4°F (37°C)
140 mEq/L
4.0 mEq/L
4.5 mEq/L
90 mm Hg
120 mL /min
Examples of Physiologic
Controlled Variables & Set Points
Adopted from: Kibble JD, Halsey CR, Homeostasis: In Medical Physiology :The Big Picture.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill , 2009; 3.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Important Negative Feedback
Control Systems
14
Modified from Carroll RG. Elsevier’s Integrated Physiology. Mosby, Inc. 2007; Table 1-3, Pg. 5.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
15
ERROR
SIGNAL
COMPARATOR
SET
POINT
+
Mean Arterial Blood
Pressure (MAP)
SENSOR
EFFECTOR
-NEGATIVE
FEEDBACK
Example: Baroreceptor Reflex
control of blood pressure
stretch receptors in
Aortic arch and
Carotid sinus
N 95
mm Hg
CNS|
Medulla Oblongata
cardiac
contractility,
vascular tone,
urinary fluid
excretion
Receptors:
• Aortic arch transmits via vagus nerve to solitary nucleus of medulla (responds
only to BP)
• Carotid sinus transmits via glossopharyngeal nerve to solitary nucleus of
medulla (responds to and in BP)
See Baroreflex pdf

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Baroreceptors & Chemoreceptors
16
• Hypotension- arterial pressure stretch afferent baroreceptor firing
efferent sympathetic firing and efferent parasympathetic stimulation
vasoconstriction, HR, contractility BP important in response to severe
hemorrhage
• Carotid massage - pressure on carotid artery stretch afferent
baroreceptor firing HR Can by tried for Tachycardia (SVT)
• Contributes to Cushing reaction (triad of hypertension, bradycardia,
and respiratory depression) intracranial pressure constricts arterioles
cerebral ischemia and reflex sympathetic increase in perfusion pressure
( hypertension) stretch reflex baroreceptor induced-bradycardia
Chemoreceptors:
• Peripheral—carotid and aortic bodies are stimulated by PO2 (< 60 mm Hg),
PCO2, and pH of blood
• Central—are stimulated by changes in pH and PCO2 of brain interstitial fluid, which
in turn are influenced by arterial CO2 Do not directly respond to PO2
Baroreceptors:

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
17
Baroreceptors &
Chemoreceptors
Mechanism Illustrated
Le T., Bhushan V. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2017. New York, NY: M-H. 2017.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
18
Mean Arterial Pressure Control and
Autonomic & Hormonal Feedback Loops
Katzung & Trevor. Pharmacology Examination & Board
Review 10th Ed. New York: ; McGraw-Hill , 2014.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Organization of Nervous System
BRAIN & SPINAL CORD CENTRAL
NERVOUS
SYSTEM (CNS)
PERIPHERAL
NERVOUS
SYSTEM (PNS)
AFFERENT
(Sensory)
NERVES
EFFERENT
(Motor)
NERVES
EXTEROCEPTORS INTEROCEPTORS SOMATIC AUTONOMIC
EFFECTOR
ORGANS
SKELETAL
MUSCLES
SMOOTH MUSCLE,
CARDIAC MUSCLES
AND GLANDS
VOLUNTARY
Monosynaptic
INVOLUNTARY
Pre & Post Ganglionic Fiber

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
20
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Peripheral nerves contain both motor and sensory neurons
Motor neurons:
somatic innervate skeletal muscles
autonomic innervate smooth muscle, cardiac muscle,
and glands (autonomic motor neurons)
Sensory neurons are not subdivided into somatic and
autonomic b/c there is overlap in function (input can be
from either somatic or ANS)
e.g., pain receptors can stimulate both somatic (withdrawal reflex)
and autonomic reflexes (increased heart rate)

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21
Generic Neuron Anatomy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron
Basic structural unit of nervous system >>> neuron

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Autonomic (Visceral) Reflex
“Functional unit of the ANS”
 Afferent fibers from periphery to CNS
 CNS integration
 Cortex
 Thalamus
 Hypothalamus
 Medulla
 Spinal cord
 Efferent fibers from CNS to periphery

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Sympathetic Nervous System Wiring
23
Gray ramus
Sympathetic trunk
White ramus
Intermediolateral cell column
(IML)
Dorsal root
ganglion
See: ANS Summary Notes

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
24
Organ receptors ( in viscus ) >>>> sensory (afferent ) neuron >>>>CNS
lateral horn cell of spinal cord >>>> motor (efferent) neuron ( two
neurons: pre & post ganglionic ) >>>> effector organ (smooth, cardiac
muscle or gland)
Functional Unit of ANS >> Visceral Reflex Arc
Afferent fibers from periphery to CNS
CNS integration
Spinal cord
Medulla
Hypothalamus
Thalamus
Cortex
Efferent fibers from CNS to periphery
Effector response

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
25
Neurotransmitters
 Chemicals synthesized and stored in neurons
 Liberated from axon terminus in response to
action potentials
 Interact with specialized receptors
 Evoke responses in innervated tissues
See: IVMS Neurotransmitters Notes

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
ANS Neurotransmitters
26
Class
Small molecule
Transmitters
Catecholamines
Chemical
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Synthesis
Choline + acetyl
CoA, via enzyme
Choline
Acetyltransferase
From the amino
acid tyrosine via
the enzyme
Tyrosine
hydroxylase
in the
catecholamine
pathway
From dopamine
in the
catecholamine
pathway
Postsynaptic
Receptors
Nicotinic
(cation channel)
Muscarinic
(G-protein–
coupled)
D1 (stimulatory
G- protein–
coupled)
D2 (inhibitory
G-protein–
coupled)
α & β Adrenergic
receptors
Signal
Termination
Extracellular
hydrolysis by
Acetylcholinestrase
Reuptake
Reuptake or
breakdown via the
enzymes
monoamine oxidase
and catechol–O-
methyltransferase
Functions
ANS
Movement
control
Cognition
ANS
Movement
control
General
affect
ANS
Alertness
General
affect
NB: Epinephrine is a catecholamine released upon stimulation of SANS, produced in
adrenal medulla. It is a neurohormone, not an ANS neurotransmitter

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
27
Efferent autonomic nerves general
arrangement
 Innervation of smooth muscle, cardiac
muscle, and glands
 Preganglionic neuron
 Peripheral ganglion - axodendritic synapse
 Postganglionic neuron(s)
 Effector organ(s)
Pre
Ganglion
Post
Effector
organ

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
28
Anatomic Divisions of ANS
 Parasympathetic (PANS) (CN3,7,9,10) & (S2-S4)
 Preganglionic axons originate in brain, and sacral spinal cord
 Peripheral ganglia are near, often within* the effector organs
 Ratio of postganglionic-to-preganglionic axons is small, resulting in
discrete responses
 Sympathetic (SANS) T1-L2/L3
 Preganglionic axons originate in the thoracic and lumbar cord
 Peripheral ganglia are distant from the effector organs
 Ratio of post-to-preganglionic axons is large, resulting in widely
distributed responses
 Enteric Nervous System (ENS) (Discussed in GI)
Has been described as a "second brain" for several reasons:
 operate autonomous of SANS & PANS
 Vertebrate studies show when the vagus nerve is severed, ENS
continues to function
* Exceptions are the four paired parasympathetic ganglia of head and neck

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
29
Schematized Anatomic Comparison of
PANS & SANS (1) (click to expand)

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
30
Schematized Anatomic Comparison
of PANS & SANS (2)
Pre
Ganglion Effector
organ
PostThoracic or lumbar
cord
Pre
Ganglion Effector
organ
Post
Cranial or sacral cord
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
Effectors: cardiac muscle, smooth mm, vascular endothelium,
exocrine glands, and presynaptic nerve terminals
ANS functions:
 circulation
 digestion
 respiration
 temperature
 sweating
 metabolism
 some endocrine
gland secretions

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
31
Cranial Nerve Parasympathetic
Innervations

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32
Somatic Nervous System
(included for comparison)
 Efferent innervation of skeletal muscle
 No peripheral ganglia
 Rapid transmission, discrete control of motor
units
 Voluntary
Any spinal
segment
Motor neuron
Striated muscle
Myelinated wi a high
conduction velocity
In contrast
Postganglionic neurons of
ANS are unmyelinated w a low
conduction velocity

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
33
Neurochemical Transmission in
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
 Cholinergic nerves
 Acetylcholine is neurotransmitter
 Locations of Ach
 Preganglionic neurons to all ganglia
 Postganglionic, parasympathetic neurons
 “Preganglionic” fibers to adrenal medulla
 Postganglionic, sympathetic neurons to sweat glands in
most species
 Somatic motor neurons

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
34
Cholinergic
Neurotransmission
Pre
Ganglion
Effector
organs
PostThoracic or lumbar
cord
Pre
Ganglion Effector
organ
Post
Cranial or sacral cord
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Denotes ACh
Denotes ACh

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
35
Adrenergic
Neurotransmission
 Adrenergic nerves
 Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter
 Locations
 Postganglionic, sympathetic axons
Pre
Ganglion
Effector
organs
PostThoracic or lumbar
cord
Sympathetic Denotes Norepinephrine
Denotes ACh

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
36
Adrenal Medulla
 Presynaptic nerves are cholinergic
 Medullary cells (*Chromaffin cells) synthesize
and release two, related catecholamines into
systemic circulation
 Epinephrine (adrenaline)
 Norepinephrine
 Epi and NE stimulate adrenergic sites
*They release catecholamines: ~80% Epinephrine and ~20%
Norepinephrine into systemic circulation for systemic effects on multiple
organs (similarly to secretory neurons of the hypothalamus), can also send
paracrine signals, hence they are called neuroendocrine cells

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
37
Adrenal Medulla (2)
Cholinergic neuron
Adrenal medulla
Epi and NE released
into systemic circulation
Denotes ACh
 Chromaffin cells are neuroendocrine cells found in the
medulla of the adrenal glands
 They are in close proximity to pre-synaptic sympathetic
ganglia of sympathetic nervous system, with which they
communicate
 structurally similar to post-synaptic sympathetic neurons

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
38
Summary of Actions of SANS & PANS (1)
SYMATHETIC
Fright-Fight-or-Flight
widely distributed responses
PARASYMPATHETIC
Rest-Relax-Restoration
discrete responses
 increase in heart rate  decrease in heart rate
 decrease in gastric motility  increase in gastric motility
 decrease secretion of salivary
and digestive glands
 increase in secretion of salivary
and digestive glands
 dilation of pupils  constriction of pupils
 ejaculation  penile erection
 vasoconstriction
 contraction of smooth muscle in
walls of bladder
 dilation of bronchioles
 increased secretion of sweat
glands
Of note: Cannon’s emergency reaction:
An immediate sympathetic response to life-
threatening situations with both SANS and
PANS overactivity. The PANS phenomenon
includes vagal cardiac arrest with involuntary
defecation and urination

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
39
Summary of Actions of SANS and PANS (2)
Toy E, Rosenfeld G, Loose D, Briscoe D. CASE 1, Autonomic Sympathetic
Nervous System, In Case Files: Pharmacology 2 ed. McGraw-Hill 2008; 16.
(click to expand)
Sympathetic
Responses
 heart rate increases
 blood pressure
increases
 blood is shunted
from skin & viscera
to skeletal muscles
 blood glucose
increase
 bronchioles dilate
 pupils dilate
Parasympathetic
Responses
 slows heart rate
 protects retina from
excessive light (near
 lowers blood pressure
 empties the bowel
and bladder
 increases
gastrointestinal
motility
 promotes absorption
of nutrients

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
40
ACh Synthesis, Release, and Fate (1)
 Synthesized from choline and acetyl-CoA
 Released in response to neuronal depolarization
(action potential)
 Calcium enters the nerve cell
 Transmitter vesicles fuse with cell membrane
 ACh released by exocytosis
 Inactivated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
ACh Synthesis, Release, and Fate (2)
41
 CHT - Choline transporter
 ChAT - Choline acetyl transferase
 VAT - Vesicle-associated
transporter
 VAMPs - Vesicle-associated
membrance proteins
 SNAP’s - Synaptosome-
associated proteins

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Cholinergic Neuron Pharmacology
42From Le T., Bhushan V. First Aid 2017. New York, NY: M-H. 2017.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
43
NE Synthesis, Release, and Fate (1)
 Catecholamine - synthesized in a multistep
pathway starting with tyrosine as the rate limiting
step
 Released by exocytosis in response to axonal
depolarization
 Duration of activity primarily limited by neuronal
reuptake
 Minor metabolism by synaptic monoamine oxidase
(MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT)

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
NE Synthesis, Release, and Fate (2)
44
VMAT-Vesicular Monoamine
transporter

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Adrenergic Neuron Pharmacology
45
From Le T., Bhushan V. First Aid 2017. New York, NY: M-H. 2017.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
46
Receptors*
 Specialized proteins that are binding sites for
neurotransmitters and hormones
 Postsynaptic cell membranes
(neurotransmitters)
 Cell nucleus (steroid hormones)
 Linked to one of many signal transduction
mechanisms
“Receptor” (According to Rang & Dale Pharmacology):
A target or binding protein for a small molecule (ligand),
which acts as an agonist or antagonist.
Rang HP, Maureen M. Dale MM, Ritter JM , Flower J Henderson G . Rang & Dale's
Pharmacology, 7th ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2011.
*“not to be confuse with other drug targets such as enzymes etc.”

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
47
Ligand-Receptor Interactions
 Complementary conformations in 3 dimensions
 Similar to enzyme-substrate interactions
 Physiologic interactions are weak attractions
 H-bonding, van der Waal’s forces
 Drug mechanisms
 Agonists - bind and activate receptors
 Antagonists - bind but DO NOT activate receptors
"Receptor" according to IUPHAR: (International Union of Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology)
“A cellular macromolecule, or an assembly of macromolecules, that is
concerned directly and specifically in chemical signaling between and within
cells. Combination of a hormone, neurotransmitter, drug, or intracellular
messenger with its receptor(s) initiates a change in cell function.”
See: Basic Receptor Pharmacology/ PDF

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Steps in Signal Transduction Process
See: G-protein Signal Transduction (video animations)
48
 There are four general classes of signal transducing receptors:
 G-proteins are one and are referred to as serpentine receptors
Binding of the neurotransmitter,
hormone or drug to receptor> signaling
of G-protein> enzyme activation>
production of a second-messenger>
protein kinase activation >
phosphorylation of specific proteins
(effect)> termination

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49
Neurohormone epinephrine and its receptor (pink) is used in tis example:
Activated receptor releases the Gs alpha protein (tan) from the beta and gamma
subunits (blue and green) in the heterotrimeric G-protein complex. The
activated Gs alpha protein in turn activates adenylyl cyclase (purple) that
converts ATP into the second messenger cAMP
Mechanism of cAMP dependent signaling
GPCR structure & function (simplified)
G-Protein Coupled Receptor
Binding of NT, hormone or drug
to receptor> signaling of G-
protein> enzyme activation>
production of a second-
messenger> protein kinase
activation >phosphorylation of
specific proteins (effect)
>termination

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50
3 major G-Protein class subtypes: Compose the largest class of *receptors:
1) Gq Messenger Pathway: (used by H1, Alpha 1, V1, M1, M3 Receptors)
(HAVM1&3)
Receptor → Gq → Phospholipase C that turns Lipid into PIP2 that is split into IP3
(Increases IC Calcium) and DAG (Activates Protein Kinase C - PKC)
2) Gαs Messenger Pathway: (used by Beta 1, Beta 2, D1, H2, V2 Receptors)
(1D2BHV)
Receptor → Gαs → Adenylyl Cyclase (AC) that turns ATP into cAMP that activates
Protein Kinase A - PKA
3) Gαi Messenger Pathway: (used by M2, Alpha 2, and D2 Receptors)
(2MAD)
Receptor → Gαi that inhibits Adenylyl Cyclase that in turn decreases cAMP , thus
making less active Protein Kinase A
G Protein Messenger Pathways
* Remember there are four major classes of ligand–receptor interactions (more in Pharm.)

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51
Sympathetic (Adrenergic-Noradrenergic-R)
Alpha 1 Receptor - q - Vasoconstriction and Pupillary Dilator Muscle
contraction (Mydriasis), and increased Intestinal Sphincters and
Bladder Sphincter contraction
 Via PLC-IP3-DAG
Alpha 2 Receptor - i - Decreased Sympathetic Outflow, and
decreased Insulin release
 Via Inhib. AC-cAMP
Beta 1 Receptor - s - Increase Heart Rate, Increase Contractility,
Increase Renin release, and increase Lipolysis
 Via Stim. AC-cAMP
Beta 2 Receptor - s - Vasodilation, Bronchodilation, Increase Heart
Rate, Increase Contractility, Increase Lipolysis, Increase Insulin
release, Decrease Uterine Muscle tone
Receptor G-Protein Class Major Function
G-protein-linked 2nd messenger
mechanisms (1)

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52
G-protein-linked 2nd messenger
mechanisms (2)
Parasympathetic (Ach-Cholinergic-R)
M1 Receptor - q - found in CNS and Enteric Nervous System
M2 Receptor - i - Decrease Heart Rate and Contractility of Atria
M3 Receptor - q - Increase Exocrine Gland secretions (Sweat
Gland, Parietal Cells), Increase Gut Peristalsis, Increase Bladder
Contraction, Bronchoconstriction, Increase Pupillary Sphincter
Muscle Contraction (Miosis), Ciliary Muscle Contraction
(Accommodation)
Receptor G-Protein Class Major Function
N.B. Nicotinic ACh receptors are ligand-gated Na+/K+ channels

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53
G-protein-linked 2nd
messenger mechanisms (3)
 Dopamine:
D1 Receptor - s - Relax Renal Vascular Smooth Muscle
D2 Receptor - i - Modulate Neurotransmitter release (especially in
Brain)
(For sake of completeness)
 Histamine:
H1 Receptor - q - Increase Mucus production in Nose and Bronchi,
Bronchiole Constriction, Pruritis, Pain
H2 Receptor - s - Increase Gastric Acid secretion (Parietal Cells)
 Vasopressin:
V1 Receptor - q - Increase Vasoconstriction
V2 Receptor - s - Increase Water Permeability and Water
Reabsorption in Collecting Tubule (V2 in 2 Kidneys)
Receptor G-Protein Class Major Function

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54
Cholinergic Receptors
 Activated by ACh and cholinergic drugs
 Anatomic distribution
 Postganglionic, parasympathetic neuroeffector
junctions
 All autonomic ganglia, whether
parasympathetic or sympathetic
 Somatic neuromuscular junctions

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55
Schematic of Cholinergic Receptor
Locations
Pre
Ganglion
Effector
organs
PostThoracic or lumbar
cord
Pre
Ganglion Effector
organ
Post
Cranial or sacral cord
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Denotes ACh receptors
Denotes ACh receptors

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56
Cholinergic Receptor Subtypes
 Muscarinic
 Postganglionic, parasympathetic, neuroeffector
junctions (M1-M5)
 Nicotinic
 Distinction of two different subtypes
 Ganglia - type II or type NG
 Neuromuscular junctions - type I or type NM
 N.B.-Nicotinic ACh receptors are ligand-gated
Na+/K+ channels

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57
Schematic representation of
Cholinergic Receptor Subtype Locations
Pre
Ganglion Effector
organ
PostThoracic or lumbar
cord
Pre
Ganglion Effector
organ
Post
Cranial or sacral cord
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
N1
M
N1

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Adrenergic Receptors
 Activated by NE, Epi, and adrenergic drugs
 Anatomic distribution
 Postganglionic, sympathetic, neuroeffector
junctions
 Subtypes
 Alpha-1, 2; Beta-1, 2, 3

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Schematic representation of Adrenergic
Receptor Locations
Sympathetic
Pre
Ganglion
paravertebral ,
prevertebral or lateral
Effector
organs
PostThoracic or lumbar
cord
Alpha or Beta
adrenergic receptors

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Organ system integration
 Parasympathetic
 Discrete innervation
 Energy conservation
 Sympathetic
 Highly distributed innervation, global responses
 Energy expenditure
 Fight or flight responses
Functional Significance of ANS (1)
“Organ system integration & Dual innervation”

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Functional Significance of ANS (2)
Dual innervation
 Organ responses moderated by both
parasympathetic and sympathetic influences
 Parasympathetic dominant at rest
 Predominate tone
 Balance of opposing neurologic influences
determines physiologic responses

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62
Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor
 Vascular smooth muscle contraction
 Arterioles, veins
 Increased arterial resistance
 Decreased venous capacitance
 Agonists support systemic blood pressure
 Increased resistance
 Redistribution of blood toward heart,
increased cardiac output
 Antagonists decrease blood pressure
 Iris
 Pupillary dilation (mydriasis)

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Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor
 postsynaptic α2-adrenoceptors (located in bld
vessels) cause constriction
 Modulation of NE release
 Presynaptic receptors on axon terminus
 Spinal alpha-2 receptors mediate analgesia
 Agonists used clinically as epidural and spinal
analgesics
 Sedation

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Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptor
 To myocardium (renal-renin and fat cell also)
 Agonists
 Increase HR, contractility, and impulse
conduction speed
 May be arrhythmogenic
 Antagonists
 Decrease HR, contractility, and impulse
conduction speed
 Used clinically as antiarrhythmics

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Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor
 Vascular smooth muscle in skeletal muscle
 Agonists evoke active vasodilation, increased
blood flow
 Bronchial smooth muscle
 Agonists evoke bronchodilation, decreased
airway resistance

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66
Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor
(mAChR)
 Myocardium
 Agonists decrease HR, contractility and AV conduction
velocity
 Antagonists used clinically to increase HR & facilitate AV
conduction such as in heart block
 Iris sphincter muscle
 Agonists evoke pupillary constriction (miosis)
 Antagonists evoke mydriasis
 Gastrointestinal tract
 Agonists increase peristalsis and relax sphincter
 Urinary bladder
 Agonists evoke urination
 Detrusor muscle (bladder) contraction
 Trigone (sphincter) relaxation

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Receptor Function Distribution
α1 Constriction of smooth
muscles
Blood vessels and piloerectors in skin
(vasoconstriction and goose bumps)
Sphincters (bladder, gastrointestinal [GI])
Uterus and prostate (contraction)
Eye (contraction of the radial muscle =
pupillary dilation/mydriasis)
α2 Inhibition of sympathetic
autonomic ganglia
(decreases SANS)
Presynaptic ganglionic neurons
GI tract (less important pharmacologically)
Effect of ANS on Organ Systems (1)
Sympathetic (NE)

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Effect of ANS on Organ Systems (2)
Sympathetic (NE)
Receptor Function Distribution|Organ
β1 Increase cardiac performance
and liberation of energy
Heart-most important (increased
chronotropy, inotropy, dromotropy)
Fat cells (release fat for energy via lipolysis)
Kidney (release renin to conserve water)
β2 Relaxation of smooth muscles
and liberation of energy
Lungs (bronchodilation)
Blood vessels in muscles (vasodilation)
Uterus (uterine relaxation)
GI (intestinal relaxation)
Bladder (bladder relaxation)
Liver (to liberate glucose via
glycogenolysis)

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Effect of ANS on Organ Systems (3)
Parasympathetic (Ach)
Receptor Function Distribution|Organ
N (Nicotinic) "Nerve to nerve" &
"nerve to muscle"
communication
SANS & PANS ganglia
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
M (Muscarinic) To oppose most
sympathetic actions
at the level of the
organs
Lung (bronchoconstriction)
Heart (slower rate, decreased conduction, decreased
contractility)
Sphincters of GI and bladder (relax)
Bladder (constriction)
GI (intestinal contraction)
Eye (contraction of the circular muscle = pupillary
constriction or miosis)
Eye (contraction of the ciliary muscle = focus for near
vision)

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Nicotinic ACh receptors are ligand-gated Na+/K+channels
Two subtypes: NN (found in autonomic ganglia, adrenal
medulla) and NM (found in NMJ of skeletal muscle)
Muscarinic ACh receptors are G-protein–coupled receptors
that usually act through 2nd messengers
Five subtypes: M1–5 found in heart, smooth muscle, brain,
exocrine glands, and on sweat glands (cholinergic sympathetic)
Acetylcholine receptors

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Exception
Sympathetic innervation of adrenal medulla is direct from
spinal cord and uses ACh as neurotransmitter
Adrenal gland functions as a special form of ganglion that secretes
Epi & NE in a 4 to 1 ratio directly into the bloodstream
Sympathetic postganglionic neurons that innervate renal vascular
smooth muscle release dopamine rather than norepinephrine
Important note:
There is no parasympathetic fiber innervation of blood vessels,
but bld vessels do have muscarinic receptors
For example, in coronary arteries stimulation M3 receptors cause
release of NO which result in vasodilation
Sweat glands are innervated by sympathetic nerves, but paradoxically
use mAChR
Sexual arousal is parasympathetic, but orgasm is sympathetic

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72
Autonomic and Somatic NS
Pharmacology Terminology
 Many drugs evoke effects by interacting with receptors
 Affinity
 Efficacy or (synonym) Intrinsic activity
 Agonists
 Mimic physiologic activation
 Have both high affinity and efficacy
 Antagonists
 Block actions of neurotransmitters or agonists
 Have high affinity, but no efficacy
 Often used as pharmacologic reversal agents

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Adrenergic-
Receptor Type
Physiologic
Agonist
Signaling
Mechanism
Pharmacologic
Agonist
Pharmacologic
Antagonist
α1 Norepi ≥ Epi IP3/DAG/Ca2+ Phenylephrine Prazosin
α2 Norepi ≥ Epi ↓ [cAMP] Clonidine,
methyldopa
Yohimbine
β1 Epi > Norepi ↑ [cAMP] Dobutamine (β1
> β2),
isoproterenol (β1
= β2)
Metoprolol
β2 Epi > Norepi ↑ [cAMP] Albuterol,
isoproterenol
(β1 = β2)
Propranolol
(nonselective β1
and β2)
Signaling Mechanisms and Pharmacology of
ANS Receptor Subtypes- SANS

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
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Cholinergic-
Receptor
Type
Physiologic
Agonist
Signaling
Mechanism
Pharmacologic
Agonist
Pharmacologic
Antagonist
N1=NM Acetylcholine Ionotropic
receptor
Nicotine D-Tubocurarine
N2=NG Acetylcholine Ionotropic
receptor
Nicotine Hexamethonium,
mecamylamine
M1–5 Acetylcholine Various Bethanechol,
methacholine,
pilocarpine
Atropine,
benztropine,
ipratropium
Signaling Mechanisms and Pharmacology of
ANS Receptor Subtypes- PANS

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75
PNS summary schematic
Le T., Bhushan V. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2017. New York, NY: M-H. 2017.

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Summary: Take Home Points (1)
 ANS functions involve a variety of effector tissues, including:
cardiac muscle, smooth mm, vascular endothelium, exocrine
glands, and presynaptic nerve terminals
 To understand ANS function , and by extension how to
pharmacologically manipulate ANS, you will need understand how
two divisions of ANS coexist and function, how each subdivision
exerts its effects, and finally what physiologic and pharmacologic
mechanisms exist to increase or decrease each subdivision’s activity

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 By using drugs that mimic or block actions of chemical transmitters and /
or their receptor mechanisms, we can selectively modify autonomic
functions
 Autonomic drugs are useful in many clinical conditions, however a large
number of drugs used for other clinical purposes have unwanted effects
on autonomic function; and because of ubiquitous nature of ANS,
autonomic drugs are frequently non-selective and thus can be assoc. w
side effects
Bottom line| memorization of receptors, their distribution,
signal transduction mechanisms and their effects is mandatory
and will enable you to accurately predict effects, side effects,
potential toxicities and interactions of ANS drugs
Summary: Take Home Points (2)

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78
THE END
See next slide for further study tools.

Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Further study:
79
Companion notes
ANS Summary Notes
Articles
Laurie Kelly McCorry. Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System
Am J Pharm Educ. 2007 August 15; 71(4): 78.
Goldstein DS, Robertson D, Straus SE, et al. Dysautonomias: clinical disorders of the
autonomic nervous system. Ann Intern Med 2002;137(9):753–63.
Cannon, WB, Organization for Physiological Homeostasis. PDF Physiological Rev July
1, 1929 9:399-431
PowerPoint Presentation:
Cray MI. Walter Cannon, Homeostasis and the Physiological Response to Stress.
A Web Interactive PowerPoint Presentation , 2014