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 compared 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