Humans have receptors for two kinds of beta adrenergic compounds such as catecholamines to control cardiac muscle contractions. Some are beta 1 receptors that promote increased heart rate. Other drugs, called beta blockers, slow heart rate. Smooth muscle cells, however, have beta 2 receptors, which mediate muscle relaxation. Blockers of these effects are sometimes used to treat asthma.
The description above illustrates which of the following?
A) Just because a drug acts on one type of receptor does not mean that it will act on another type.
B) Beta blockers can be used effectively on any type of muscle.
C) Beta adrenergic receptors must be in the cytosol if they are going to influence contraction and relaxation.
D) The chemical structures of the beta 1 and beta 2 receptors must have the same active sites.
Answer: A
The use of beta 2 antagonist drugs may be useful in asthma because they may
A) increase constriction of the skeletal muscle of the chest wall.
B) increase heart rate and therefore allow the patient to get more oxygen circulated.
C) dilate the bronchioles by relaxing their smooth muscle.
D) override the beta blockers that the patient is already taking.
E) obstruct all G protein-mediated receptors.
Answer: C
Beta 2 antagonist drugs might also be used most effectively for which of the following?
A) cardiac arrhythmias
B) increased gastric acid production
C) neuropathy of the extremities
D) increasing low blood pressure
E) decreasing peristalsis
Answer: D