Action of drugs on synapses

Question 1

How can drugs increase the transmission of nerve impulses

Answer 1

-Causing more neurotransmitters to be produced in the synaptic knowb
-Causing more neurotransmitters to be released into the synapse
-Imitating the action of neurotransmitters by binding to and activating receptors on the post synaptic membrane
-Preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the synapse
-Preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters into the post synaptic cell

Question 2

How can drugs decrease the transmission of nerve impulses at the synapse

Answer 2

-Prevent the production of neurotransmitters at the synapse
-Prevent the release of neurotransmitters from the pre synaptic membrane
-Binding to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and therefore preventing neurotransmitters from binding

Question 3

How does MDMA work

Answer 3

-MDMA prevents the reuptake of serotonin into the pre synaptic cell by binding to specific proteins that are responsible for the reuptake of serotonin on the pre synaptic membrane, this increases the amount of serotonin present in the brain
-MDMA is also triggers the release of more serotonin from pre synaptic neurones
-Serotonin is usually reabsorbed back into the pre synaptic neurone to be recycled for future action potentials

Question 4

How does MDMA affect a person

Answer 4

-An individual who has taken MDMA may feel extreme euphoria and enhanced touch and bodily sensations

Question 5

What is L-Dopa

Answer 5

L-Dopa is a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease

Question 6

How does L-Dopa work to treat Parkinsons

Answer 6

-L-Dopa is transported from the blood to the brain, where it is converted to dopamine
-This increases levels of dopamine in the brain
-The increased levels of dopamine in the brain mean that more nerve impulses are transmitted in areas of the brain that control movement, this lessens symptoms of Parkinson’s and gives the sufferer greater control over their movements

Question 7

Why are we unable to give dopamine directly to people with Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 7

-we are unable to give dopamine directly to people with Parkinsons because it is unable to pass through the blood brain barrier