Update in Anaesthesia Originally published in Anaesthesia Tutorial of the Week (2007) The Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System Oliver Pratt, Carl Gwinnutt* *Correspondence Email:
[email protected] INTRODUCTION Summary In our article describing the anatomy and function of A balance exists between the autonomic nervous system (this edition, page 37), sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow. we saw that: Many common pathologies • The autonomic nervous system (ANS) reflexes are and surgical procedures can instrumental in the control of most of the body’s affect this balance, leading organ systems. to disturbances in the function of organ systems. • The afferent limb of these reflexes can be from Drugs can contribute to the ANS or central nervous system (CNS). The autonomic disturbance, Figure 1. The effects of major drug groups on the ‘auto- efferent limb is mediated by the sympathetic but drugs can also be used nomic equilibrium’ to redress the balance. (SNS) or parasympathetic (PNS) divisions, which Those acting on the ANS, are functionally and structurally distinct. The autonomic effects of a drug may be the primary tend to be agonists or intended action – for example the sympathomimetic antagonists at one or more • The observed physiological effect will depend actions of dobutamine, or secondary effects – for of the various receptors, upon which neurotransmitter and types of receptors example the parasympathomimetic action of repeated and this determines their are involved. doses of succinylcholine. clinical effects. Some have slightly different • In the normal, resting situation equilibrium exists In the remainder of this article, we will give an overview modes of action (such as between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.