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The surprising secret of nerve conduction: Why do drugs like atropine change heart rate?
Neurotransmitters play a vital role in the physiological process of controlling heart rate. Among them, Acetylcholine (ACh) is one of the main neurotransmitters located in the heart and other organs. Drugs such as atropine, which is an anticholinergic drug, can effectively interfere with this process, raising many questions about heart rate regulation.
Atropine is an antimuscarinic drug that inhibits the action of acetylcholine on the heart, thereby increasing the heart rate, which is critical in the treatment of patients with low heart rate.
To understand how drugs affect the workings of the heart, you first need to be familiar with the basic workings of the nervous system. The human body's autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. The main function of the parasympathetic nerve is to promote a state of "rest and digestion", and its main neurotransmitter is acetylcholine. When acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors in the heart, the heart rate decreases.
Therefore, when we use anticholinergic drugs such as atropine, these drugs inhibit the effects of parasympathetic nerves by blocking acetylcholine receptors, thereby causing an increase in heart rate.
On the M2 receptors of the heart, the effect of atropine will make the heart no longer inhibited by acetylcholine, resulting in an accelerated heartbeat.
Atropine use is not limited to heart rate problems. The drug also affects other physiological functions and is used to treat conditions such as overactive bladder, respiratory problems, and certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. The side effects it induces must also be noted, such as dry mouth, constipation, etc.
When applying atropine therapy, its dosage is critical. At higher doses, atropine and similar drugs may cause central nervous system depression and cause symptoms such as amnesia and fatigue due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This necessitates careful monitoring and dosage control of patients taking these drugs.
Although atropine and Scopolamine have similar effects in the peripheral nervous system, the latter has more pronounced effects in the central nervous system, especially in the treatment of movement disorders.
The mechanism of action of atropine also benefits the respiratory system. Studies have shown that the use of anticholinergic drugs such as ipratropium can effectively slow down the contraction of bronchial smooth muscle caused by acetylcholine, especially in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This effect expands and increases the permeability of the respiratory tract, improving the patient's quality of life.
However, caution must be used when using these medications because they have multiple effects that can cause disturbing side effects. Since the effects of anticholinergic drugs are not limited to the heart and respiratory system, they may also cause discomfort to the digestive system. For example, some patients taking antidepressants or antipsychotics may experience side effects such as difficulty urinating or dry skin due to the antimuscarinic effects of the drugs.
For patients with Parkinson's disease, an imbalance of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain, antimuscarinic drugs can help improve symptoms by blocking their effects.
In short, atropine and similar drugs can achieve flexible adjustment of heart rate and provide relief for a variety of clinical conditions through the intervention of parasympathetic nerves. However, this also comes with many side effects and health concerns, and caution must be used when using it.
In this context, regarding the regulation of heart rate and the intervention of the nervous system, thinking about the scientific significance behind drugs and the choices faced by patients is undoubtedly a thought-provoking topic in contemporary medicine?
