Pharmacodynamics: Receptors for opiates in the brain

Question 1

The brain is rich in opiate receptors, which normally respond to endogenous opioids (e.g. endorphins)Helps to reinforce pleasure and manage pain

Question 2

Largest density of receptors are located where?

Answer 2

in ventral striatum (Weerts, 2009) – area of the brain which connects emotion and higher brain function to reward pathways and feeling pressure (Dulls emotional and physical pain).

Question 3

What is the ventral striatum?

Answer 3

area of the brain which connects emotion and higher brain function to reward pathways and feeling pressure (Dulls emotional and physical pain).

Question 4

This system profoundly influences our focus of attention and motivation – hence the particular problems associated with opiate based drugs

Answer 4

High ΔFosB expression in the Nacc (makes the Nacc more sensitive to dopamine)

Question 5

Opiates affect which pathway?

Answer 5

Visceral pathway

Regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion etc

Adds context to acute and withdraw effects

Question 6

Ascending pathway to tell us we have pain and uses the cortex to identify where the pain has started

Answer 6

Descending pathway to shut down elements of the ascending pathway and feel relief , helps to orientates us to time and space

Question 7

Neuronal action of Opioids : GABA

Answer 7

like 6-MAM and Morphine hyper polarise GABA neurone thus suppressing release of GABA

Question 8

Neuronal action of Opioids : Dopamine

Answer 8

GABA ordinarily inhibits release of dopamine, but opioids suppress GABA, which increases release of Dopamine

Question 9

Opioids suppress GABA which regulates dopamine,
opioids artificially increases dopamine

Answer 9

Opioids suppress GABA which regulates dopamine,
opioids artificially increases dopamine