In: Anatomy and Physiology
Explain the sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of heart function..
Sympathetic regulation of heart function:
Sympathetic Nervous system has a stimulatory effect on heart.It acts through the neurotransmitter- catecholamines ( mainly nor-epinephrine).
Receptors: It has Beta-1 receptors present in heart.These are G protein coupled receptors. When catecholamines stimulates these receptors, there is an increase in cyclic AMP which opens calcium channels. Increase in calcium channels show following effects on heart:
Also Beta-2 receptors increases the contraction of cardiac muscles.
Parasympathetic regulation of heart function:
Parasympathetic Nervous system has an inhibitory effect on heart. It acts through neurotransmitter- acetylcholine .
Receptor-this acetylcholine acts on muscarinic receptors of subtype M2.These are also G protein coupled receptors.
Effects:
Thus it has an overall inhibitory effect on heart function.