Alcohol

Question 1

How is alcohol metabolised?

Answer 1

• Ethanol is rapidly absorbed via stomach
• 90% of ethanol is metabolized, only 5-10% is excreted unchanged in expired air and urine (basis of police breath & urine tests)
• Ethanol metabolism occurs in liver- by alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme
• metabolised into acetalhyde- which is converted to acetate in mitochondria

Question 2

What does acute alcoholism lead to?

Answer 2

Drowsiness

ulceration

depressant in CNS

Question 3

What does chronic alcoholism lead to?

Answer 3

Shortened life span

GI- gastric ulcers

Cardiovascular- hart disease, hypertension

carcinogenisis

malnutrition

Question 4

How does nicotine produce an effect on the body?

Answer 4

• Nearly all dependance producing drugs activate the mesolimbic or mesocortical dopaminergic pathways.
• Nicotine attaches to nicotine receptors (NN)
• This synthesis & release of DOPAMINE from the dopamine containing neurones in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and hypothalamic region

Question 5

What is nicotine?

Answer 5

Naturally occuring plant alkaloid.

Pure nicotine is a clear liquid, which turns brown with exposure to air

Question 6

How is nicotine absorbed? How is it metabolised?

Answer 6

Absorption:
- absorbed through Lungs, skin, oral cavity
- Absorption through mucous membrane is pH dependent- higher pH= better absorption

Metabolism:
- Occurs in liver within 1-2 hrs.
- Metabolised to Cotinine (70-80%) by oxidation.
- About 50% of nicotine is excreted in urine

Question 7

What are the parts of the autonomic nervous system & what neurotransmitter does it release?

Answer 7

Parasympathetic- reduces or inhibits - releases acetylcholine.

Sympathetic increases or activates - releases noradrenaline

Question 8

What are the effects of nicotine on the whole organism?

Answer 8

Increased heart rate

increased blood pressure

decreased skim temp

Question 9

What are the effects of nicotine on a cellular level?

Answer 9

increased dopamine

increased acetylcholine

increased apoptosis

Question 10

What are the effects of nicotine on peripheral nervous system?

Answer 10

• increased heart rate
• Increased cardiac output

increased sweating

Question 11

What are the health benefits of exercise?

Answer 11

Strengthen bone- bone loss is reduced

strengthen muscle- takes strain off of bones & reduces chance of injury]

Improves mental health & mood- releases endorphins- helps relax mind & body

Improved sleep