The Agonist-to-antagonist Spectrum
Sensory receptors play key roles in a variety of bodily functions that involve neurological components. Normally, the specific functions of receptors depend on their connection to ligands, which are complex molecules. There are two main types of ligands, antagonists and agonists (Stahl & Muntner, 2019). When agonists bind to receptors, biological action results while antagonists bind to prevent any biological action. The link between neurotransmission and biological action is calcium ions, which as secondary transmitters. In most cases, agonists and antagonists act by activating and inhibiting calcium ions, respectively. The Agonist-to-antagonist Spectrum refers to the variation between the extremities of agonist action to the opposite extremity of antagonist action. The two main types of antagonists are the surmountable and insurmountable agonists, the latter being irreversible. On the other hand, agonists include endogenous, which are naturally available in the body and inverse agonists that reverse the ordinary action of endogenous agonists (Stahl & Muntner, 2019). There is also the super, partial, and full agonists, which have a greater or lesser effect than the endogenous agonist. Finally, there is the irreversible agonist that binds itself to the receptor permanently, essentially destroying the receptor after the targeted action is complete.
G-couple Proteins versus Ion Gated Channels
G-couple proteins and ion gated channels are both receptors, which, when activated, instigate some biological actions inside a cell. Both sets of receptors are capable of acting without the necessity of a connection with an agonist. G-couple proteins are inside but can sense stimuli from outside the cell and act upon the stimuli to instigate biological actions inside the cells (Stahl & Muntner, 2019). On the other hand, ion gated channels exist on the walls of the cells. Acting on instruction from an agonist, ion gated channels open to allow in specific ions such as sodium, calcium, or potassium. The specific ions of ion concentrations will then trigger a biological process inside the cell.
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The Role of Epigenetics in Pharmacologic Action
Epigenetics is the study of how to change the manifestation of genes in an organism without interfering with the DNA of the organism. In a pharmacology action, epigenetics is critical in establishing how to overcome the manifestations of specific genes, without having to alter the genes themselves (Stahl & Muntner, 2019). The researcher seeks to understand what the genes, with an undesired action do and how to prevent them from undertaking that action or limit their impact. In many cases, genes influence a chemical reaction that, in turn, triggers a neurological or biological action. Epigenetics provide a means of intervention that takes place after the genetic action but before the eventual chemical or biological action.
Effect on How I prescribe Medications to clients
The information above is critical to how I prescribe pharmacological interventions for patients with psychological problems. For a start, the information reveals that psychological problems can arise out of a genetic, a neurological, or a chemical issue (Stahl & Muntner, 2019). Each of the issues above can affect the eventual biological issue in the body of the client. The said information will enable the determination of the medication to give the patient depending on the psychological problem and its chain of reaction. Secondly, the information will inform the decision on how to balance between different medications to prevent an inordinate impact on homeostasis (Stahl & Muntner, 2019). For example, using an insurmountable antagonist or irreversible agonist may require counteraction if it affects other vital biological functions. The information above will enable the clinicians to prescribe medications after a holistic evaluation of how the medication works.
Nursing Perspective Vignette
Mary is having a psychotic episode as a consequence of severe depression and needs urgent psychiatric care. However, she is also 31 weeks pregnant, meaning that birth at this juncture would jeopardize the life or health of her unborn child. Contemporaneously, Mary’s psychosis also places her unborn child in danger due to her potential for self-harm. The nurse managing Mary’s case will need to use pharmacological interventions to mitigate her depression and psychosis. However, the nurse also needs to understand the specific activities triggered or inhibited by the medication to ensure that it does not affect the baby (Wisner et al., 2019). Indeed, the nurse practitioner will need to carefully observe Mary and lookout for signs of adverse actions or reactions caused by the medication that may pose a danger to the unborn child.
References
Stahl, S. M., & Muntner, N. (2019). Stahls essential psychopharmacology: neuroscientific basis and practical application . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wisner, K. L., Sit, D., O'Shea, K., Bogen, D. L., Clark, C. T., Pinheiro, E., ... & Ciolino, J. D. (2019). Bipolar disorder and psychotropic medication: Impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Journal of affective disorders , 243 , 220-225.
