**Core Concept:** Physiological antagonism refers to the phenomenon where a drug with similar pharmacological properties to a neurotransmitter or hormone can prevent its effects without causing any adverse effects itself. This can be explained through competitive binding at the receptor site.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** In this question, we are discussing physiological antagonism between isoprenaline (a beta-agonist) and propranolol (a beta-blocker). Isoprenaline and propranolol are both beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists, respectively. When isoprenaline is present, it activates beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a cascade of physiological effects such as increased heart rate and contractility. Propranolol, as a beta-blocker, competes with isoprenaline for binding to beta-adrenergic receptors, effectively preventing isoprenaline's actions without causing its own actions.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Isoprenaline and salbutamol: Salbutamol is a beta-agonist, similar to isoprenaline, so it cannot exhibit physiological antagonism.
B. Isoprenaline and adrenaline: Adrenaline is a more potent beta-agonist than isoprenaline, so it will not exhibit physiological antagonism.
C. Isoprenaline and propranolol: As explained above, propranolol acts as a beta-blocker and exhibits physiological antagonism when combined with isoprenaline.
D. Adrenaline and histamine: Histamine is a different neurotransmitter and does not share the same receptor-binding properties as isoprenaline or adrenaline.
**Clinical Pearl:** Understanding physiological antagonism helps explain the concept of using beta-blockers like propranolol in the management of hypertension, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction, where the goal is to inhibit the effects of catecholamines without causing their effects.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.