Autonomic Nervous System, again

This is a topic that I've mostly blogged about before- see here.

Discuss autonomic control
Describe the role of the ANS in vegetative functions
Describe the neurotransmitter & synaptic physiology of the ANS
Discuss the function of the adrenal medulla in the ‘Alarm’ or ‘Stress’ response 

• Autonomic Nervous System

Name some drugs that can be used to manipulate the function of the ANS

Many drugs can manipulate the function of the ANS by either activating or blocking receptors involved in the ANS. Some examples (note some drugs might be able to block multiple receptors):

	Activating (Agonist)	Blocking (Antagonist)
α1-adrenoceptor	Phenylephrine	Phentolamine
α2-adrenoceptor	Clonidine	Phentolamine
β1-adrenoceptor	Dobutamine	Propranolol
β2-adrenoceptor	Salbutamol	Propranolol
Nicotinic receptor	Nicotine	Hexamethonium
Muscarinic receptor	Muscarine	Atropine

Define NANC neurotransmitters

NANC neurotransmitters are "non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic." Examples of NANC neurotransmitters include ATP, nitric oxide, VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide), and so on.