Define the term pharmacology
The science of drug action on the function of biological systems
What are drugs?
Any substance that produces a biological effect except nutrients
Define the term pharmacokinetics
the study of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs
Define the term pharmcodynamics
the study of molecular, biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on cellular systems and their mechanisms of action
Where do drugs come from? Name examples
Animals: insulin, growth hormone, clotting factors
Plants: morphine, salicylic acid
Bacteria: Tacrolimus
Synthetic drugs made via chemical synthesis: acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
Name an application of pharmacology
Treatment of diease
Define psychotropic drugs and name examples of some with addictive potential
mind-altering
tobacco, alcohol, cocaine etc.
Name the 7 drug targets and of these what are the 4 most common (most common are starred)
cellular* proteins* receptors* GPCR* ion channels enzymes transport proteins
What are the role of transporter proteins in cells?
takes chemical or nutrient from one side of the cell to another
what does an agonist do?
switches on or activates
what does antagonist do?
blocks or inhibits agonist
What are agonists and antagonists?
ligands - molecules which bind and occupy receptor
in what two ways can drugs act on receptors
agonist - activate receptor
antagonist - stop natural agonist from binding
What is physiology? Give an example
NORMAL operation of bodily functions e.g. insulin decreases blood glucose
What is pathology? Give an example
changes in physiology associated with disease e.g. high blood glucose caused by insulin defficency