ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN YOUR OWN WORDS QUESTION 1: 20 marks total Beta2-adrenoceptor agonists are combined with a glucocorticoid for the treatment of asthma. a. Referring to the mechanism of action of short- and long-acting beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists, explain how these drugs can treat the bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. (8 marks) b. Discuss the rationale for using a glucocorticoid in the treatment of asthma. (4 marks) c. Explain the pharmacokinetic benefits of delivering drugs to treat asthma by inhalation rather than by oral administration. (4 marks) d. Using your understanding of the sympathetic control of the cardiovascular system, explain why a selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist is used over a non-selective beta- adrenoceptor agonist. (4 marks) TEST CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE QUESTION 2: 20 marks total Chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill or slow the growth of infectious organisms and cancer cells. a. What shared mechanism explains why gastrointestinal side effects (such as nausea and vomiting), and hair loss are common side effects of many cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs (3 marks) b. Based on your understanding of the vomiting reflex, why would drugs that target the 5- HT3 receptor subtype (e.g. ondansetron) be used to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs (3 marks) c. When treating nausea and vomiting, what would be an ideal route of administration for these types of medications Your answer should include a rationale for your response. (2 marks) d. Why is it often harder to selectively target cancer cells compar
ed to infectious organisms such as bacteria (3 marks) Several different anti-viral drug classes have been developed to slow the progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). e. Discuss how two different anti-viral drug classes target HIV and explain why these drug classes can be used relatively safely in the treatment of this viral infection. (6 marks) f. Discuss why therapy with a combination of drugs is commonly used to treat HIV. (3 marks) TEST CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE QUESTION 3: 20 marks total Consider a hypothetical neurotransmitter farmamine, which binds to receptors located in the hypothalamus to potently inhibit appetite. In animal models of morbid obesity, the activity of this neurotransmitter is decreased in the hypothalamus. Imagine you are working for a pharmaceutical company and are involved in the development of a novel weight loss drug that targets farmamine. a. Discuss three different strategies you could use to increase farmamine neurotransmission in the hypothalamus. (6 marks) b. Discuss the ideal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties this new drug would possess to be safe and effective. (8 marks) Imagine the novel weight loss drug makes it to human clinical trials. During clinical evaluation, a significant number of participants report urticaria (hives) as an adverse effect of their treatment. c. Discuss the likely molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the new drug is causing hives. Suggest a drug class that could be used to treat hives. In your answer provide a rationale for your choice of drug class. (6 marks) END OF EXAM