- Parasympatholytic
A parasympatholytic element, also referred to as anticholinergics, reduces the activity of the
parasympathetic nervous system . cite web |url=http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands_split.jsp?pg=/ppdocs/us/common/dorlands/dorland/six/000078651.htm |title=Dorlands Medical Dictionary:parasympatholytic |format= |work= |accessdate=] (The parasympathetic nervous system is often colloquially described as the "Feed and Breed" or "Rest and Digest" portion of theautonomic nervous system . The parasympathetic nervous system becomes strongly engaged during or after a meal and during times when the body is at rest.)The term parasympatholytic typically refers to the effect of a
drug , although somepoison s, such asorganophosphate s (often found inpesticide s) act to block the parasympathetic nervous system as well."Parasympatholytic" and
sympathomimetic are similar, but not identical. For example, both causemydriasis , but parasympatholytics reduce accommodation (cycloplegia ) while sympathomimetics do not.Clinical significance
Parasympatholytic drugs are sometimes used to treat slow heart rhythms (
bradycardia s or bradydysrhythmias) caused bymyocardial infarction s or other pathologies, as well as to treat conditions which causebronchiole s in the lung to constrict, such asasthma . By blocking the parasympathetic nervous system, parasympatholytic drugs can increase heart rate in patients with bradycardic heart rhythms, and open up airways and reduce mucous production in patients suffering from asthma.References
External links
* [http://www.salisbury.edu/healthsci/RESP/Classes/RLJoyner/Fall/AHPH544/4parasym.htm Overview at salisbury.edu]
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