Older Stuff Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is an antagonist and what does it do?
An antagonist is a drug or molecule that binds to a receptor but blocks or prevents the normal effect of a neurotransmitter or agonist.
What is the process of biotransformation (metabolism)?
Biotransformation is the chemical modification of a drug by the body, mostly in the liver, through two phases: Phase I (modification) and Phase II (conjugation) to make it easier to excrete.
What does GABA do when it binds to receptors?
GABA causes chloride ions to flow into the neuron, making the inside more negative and reducing the likelihood of an action potential, calming brain activity.
What are the 11 ways a drug could affect neural transmission?
1) Affect neurotransmitter synthesis, 2) Affect storage, 3) Affect release, 4) Stimulate receptors (agonist), 5) Block receptors (antagonist), 6) Inhibit reuptake, 7) Inhibit breakdown, 8) Block autoreceptors, 9) Activate autoreceptors, 10) Affect second messenger systems, 11) Alter ion channels.
What is the difference between depolarization and hyperpolarization?
Depolarization makes the inside of the neuron less negative, increasing the chance of firing an action potential; hyperpolarization makes the inside more negative, decreasing the chance of firing.
What is the dopamine reward system?
It’s the brain’s pleasure and motivation pathway, mainly the mesolimbic pathway, where dopamine release signals reward and reinforces behaviors.
What is the resting potential of a neuron and how is an action potential fired?
The resting potential is about -70mV, maintained by ion pumps; if depolarization crosses the threshold (~ -55mV), voltage-gated sodium channels open and an action potential fires.
What are norepinephrine autoreceptors and what do they do?
Autoreceptors (like alpha-2 receptors) on the presynaptic neuron bind norepinephrine and inhibit further release, acting like a feedback control.
What happens when cannabinoid receptors are activated and what are the agonists?
Activation reduces neurotransmitter release, causing effects like relaxation, pain relief, and appetite increase; agonists include anandamide (natural), THC (plant-based), and synthetic cannabinoids like WIN 55,212-2.
What is the difference between crack and cocaine, and how does their experience differ?
Crack is a smokable form of cocaine that causes a faster, more intense but shorter high; powdered cocaine is snorted and causes a slower onset and longer-lasting, less intense high.
What is the difference between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to the drug (absorption, metabolism, excretion); pharmacodynamics is what the drug does to the body (receptor binding and effect strength).
What factors affect the intensity of a drug’s effect?
Dose, route of administration, metabolism rate, tolerance, and individual physiology all affect intensity.
Why might there be individual differences in how people react to drugs?
Genetics, body weight, age, sex, organ health, past drug use, tolerance, and psychological factors like mood and expectations cause variation in drug effects.
