Drug Action on Animal Tissues
Drugs interact with various tissues and organs in animals to produce their desired effects. They can exert their actions through different mechanisms, including:
1. Receptor Binding:
- Most drugs bind to specific receptors on cell surfaces or within cells.
- Receptors are proteins that initiate a cascade of events leading to the drug's effect.
- Drugs can be either agonists (activating receptors) or antagonists (blocking receptors).
2. Enzyme Inhibition/Activation:
- Drugs can bind to enzymes and alter their activity.
- Enzyme inhibitors reduce enzyme activity, while enzyme activators increase it.
- This can affect metabolic pathways or alter cell signaling processes.
3. Ion Channel Modulation:
- Drugs can block or open ion channels, affecting the flow of ions across cell membranes.
- This can influence electrical excitability, muscle contraction, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
4. Protein Synthesis Inhibition/Activation:
- Drugs can inhibit or activate protein synthesis by interfering with DNA or RNA metabolism.
- This can affect cell growth, differentiation, and function.
5. Apoptosis Induction:
- Some drugs trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) by activating cell death pathways.
- This can be beneficial in treating cancer or reducing tissue inflammation.
Effects on Different Tissues
1. Nervous System:
- Drugs acting on the central nervous system (CNS) can alter consciousness, mood, behavior, and cognitive functions.
- Examples: anesthetics, antidepressants, antipsychotics.
2. Cardiovascular System:
- Drugs can regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular tone.
- Examples: antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, vasodilators.
3. Respiratory System:
- Drugs can affect airway function, breathing rate, and gas exchange.
- Examples: bronchodilators, decongestants, inhalers.
4. Gastrointestinal System:
- Drugs can regulate gastric secretion, motility, and absorption.
- Examples: antacids, laxatives, antiemetics.
5. Endocrine System:
- Drugs can affect hormone production and function.
- Examples: thyroid hormones, insulin, steroids.
6. Immune System:
- Drugs can suppress or enhance immune responses.
- Examples: immunosuppressants, vaccines, anti-inflammatory drugs.
Factors Affecting Drug Action
- Drug concentration
- Tissue specificities
- Metabolism
- Individual variations
- Disease states