Parasympatholytic
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2008-07-14T02:31:25Z
Arcadian
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A '''parasympatholytic''' element, also referred to as '''[[anticholinergic|anticholinergics]]''', reduces the activity of the [[parasympathetic nervous system]]. <ref name="urlDorlands Medical Dictionary:parasympatholytic">{{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=}}</ref>
The term parasympatholytic typically refers to the effect of a [[drug]], although some [[poison]]s, such as [[organophosphate]]s (often found in [[pesticide]]s) act to block the parasympathetic nervous system as well.
The parasympathetic nervous system is often colloquially described as the "Feed and Breed" or "Rest and Digest" portion of the [[autonomic nervous system]]. The parasympathetic nervous system becomes strongly engaged during or after a meal and during times when the body is at rest.
==Clinical significance==
Parasympatholytic drugs are sometimes used to treat slow heart rhythms ([[bradycardia]]s or bradydysrhythmias) caused by [[myocardial infarction]]s or other pathologies, as well as to treat conditions which cause [[bronchiole]]s in the lung to constrict, such as [[asthma]]. 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==
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==External links==
* [http://www.salisbury.edu/healthsci/RESP/Classes/RLJoyner/Fall/AHPH544/4parasym.htm Overview at salisbury.edu]
* {{MeshName|Parasympatholytics}}
{{med-stub}}
{{Receptor agonists and antagonists}}