- A student inquired: On page 17 of the text material concerning alpha-methldopa The first line reads: "methylation of the Beta-C of L-DOPA". I just wanted to confirm that this should read alpha instead of beta.
I appreciate your catching this error in the lecture guide and, yes, you are correct in that the line should read" "methylation of the alpha-C of L-DOPA" as described in class. Unfortunately, there are probably other errors in the lecture guide - I've done my best to minimize them but in a document this size it is almost inevitable that some will still be in there. Let me know if you find other errors and I'll bring them to the attention of the class.
Thanks, Dr. R.
- A student inquired: Concerning the different prostaglandins and thromboxanes that are included in the class lecture guide there are many different functions of the specific PG and TX. Do you want us to be able to distinguish each derivative from one another and do we need to believe that it is important to know specific functions of these PGs and Txs.
You should be able to distinguish the various PGs by inspection of their structural features, i.e., what distinguishes PGE1 from PGE2 and what are the structural differences between the PGE's, PGF's, etc. Also, you should have an understanding and knowledge of the primary physiological and pharmacological actions of the eicosanoids as well as their therapeutic applications either from the info in the lecture guide or, more appropriately from other courses (Pcol. Tx) you are taking this year.
Thanks, Dr. R.
- A student inquired: Concerning H2 antagonist in class and on the review sheet number a methyl group was placed on the #5 Carbon of Burimamide. On the discussion of Metiamide it states that a methyl group was added also to its structure along with the replaced side chain. Does burimamide have a methyl group as well?
Burimimide does not have a 5-methyl group. Addition of 5-methyl and S (sulfur) in the side chain of burimimide produces metiamide which is a more potent (but toxic) H2-blocker. Further modification of metiamide led to the potent and safe cimetidine.
Hope this clarifies this matter.
Thanks, Dr. R.
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