Alcohol Flashcards
(23 cards)
Where is alcohol mostly absorbed?
In the small intestine.
What does drinking on a full stomach cause?
Slow absorption of alcohol leads to lower peak BAC.
People with greater body volume have ____ BAC.
Lower.
People with lower body volume have ___ BAC.
Increased.
Is ethanol able to pass through the BBB?
Yes.
What are the acute effects of ethanol consumption?
Centrally: dizziness, unstable moods, inhibited decision making. Senses inhibited, lesser anxiety, less REM.
Peripherally: dilated vessels near skin, reduced blood clotting.
What are the main enzymes for alcohol metabolism?
Alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase.
What is needed for enzymes to operate?
NAD+.
How is alcohol biphasic? what are the phases?
Metabolism of alcohol causes different effects based on BAC:
Alcohol increasing: stimulatory effects.
Alcohol decreasing: depressant effects.
What is the mechanism of ethanol?
Ethanol modulates both GABA and NMDA receptor activity, causing neuronal activity to become hyper-polarized/inhibited.
At higher ethanol concentrations, which receptor(s) does ethanol have a greater affinity for?
NMDA receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels (INHIBITION).
At lower ethanol concentrations, which receptor(s) does ethanol have a greater affinity for?
GABAa receptors.
What is the lethal dose of ethanol?
O.4-0.5 BAC
What are GABA receptors? What is their function?
A heteropentameric protein consisting of 2-alpha, 2-beta, and one omega subunit. Ligand-gated channel that conducts negative chlorine ions into neuron.
What are NMDA receptors? What is their function?
Heterotetrameric protein consisting of two NR2 and 2 NR1 subunits. Conducts positive ions into neurons.
How is alcohol additive?
Releases dopamine in brain.
What are especially adverse effects of ethanol?
Decreased core temperature and ulcers.
What causes “spins”?
As BAC increases ethanol enters the endolymph in the cupula. When BAC decreases, ethanol diffuses out of the endolymph, leaving the cupula dense. The movement stimulates sensory neurons that perceive the sensation as spinning.
What causes tolerance of ethanol?
Up-regulation of enzymes.
What is ethanol withdrawal known as? When does it peak? Mechanism?
Hangover; peaks when BAC reaches 0. Possibly due to dehydration or immune response.
What is produced during the metabolism of ethanol?
Acetaldehyde and acetate.
What is FSD? When are fetuses at the highest risk?
Fetal alcohol syndrome caused by ethanol abuse in the third trimester.
What effects does acetaldehyde cause?
Dysfunction and damage to neurons, causing cell death. Interferes with DNA synthesis and repair.
