It leaves the environment of the nervous system and moves to the cellular level where we find an enzyme responsible for the formation of prostaglandins (PG). Prostaglandins are also called AUTACOIDS and are substances that modulate many functions within our organism. . The functions in which prostaglandins participate are:
- Pain modulation
- They participate in the processes of inflammation;
- Responsible at the level of the hypothalamus for the increase in temperature.
PG = prostaglandins
The enzyme responsible for the formation of prostaglandins is inhibited by a vast and heterogeneous category of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). NSAIDs are different from glucocorticoids, which are called steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs target cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX1 and COX2) responsible for the increase in temperature, inflammation and pain.
Sulfonamides
A separate discussion must be made for sulfonamides. These are antibiotics that block bacterial replication. Sulfonamides have a bacteriostatic action because they block the synthesis of DNA inside the bacterium. The synthesis is blocked because the purine bases, which derive from folic acid, are missing.
Remember that the bacterium is capable of producing folic acid on its own. Sulfonamides inhibit an enzyme necessary for the synthesis of folic acid within the bacterium. So if these sulfonamides inhibit the synthesis of folic acid, the synthesis of DNA is lost. Luckily, man does not have this type of enzymatic pathway because all the folic acid comes from food. This is why sulfonamides have an effect only on bacteria and not on humans.
Other articles on "Fans and Sulfonamides"
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- Inhibitors of transport systems and ion channels
