Pharmacological Flashcards
Agonist
Biochemistry: A drug or other chemical that can combine with a receptor on a cell to produce a physiologic reaction typical of a naturally occurring substance.
Antagonist
Biochemistry: A chemical substance that interferes with the physiological action of another, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor.
Where is nicotine metabolized?
It is metabolized in the liver and in the lungs. It is excreted through the kidneys.
Nicotine withdrawal
Symptoms including irritability, attention difficulties, sleep disturbances, increased appetite, and powerful cravings for tobacco. Treatments can help smokers manage these symptoms and improve the likelihood of successfully quitting.
How Does Tobacco Affect the Brain?
When entering the bloodstream, nicotine immediately stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Epinephrine stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.
What is alcohol’s effect on the CNS?
1) Effect on physical structure of cell membranes (may be transient)
2) Decreases GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), causing communication changes within the synapse – related to inhibition?
3) Quickens breakdown of norepinephrine – activation of the NS, fight or flight.
4) Decreased Serotonin.
5) Increase in endorphins, increase in dopamine, increase in pleasure, well being.
What is alcohol’s effect on the liver and kidney?
Kidneys – the pituitary gland(endocrine system) secretes an ADH.
ADH regulates the amount of water the kidneys excrete
When alcohol is consumed: the pituitary gland is affected, decreased ADH, this increases diluted urine output. (liver enzyme ADH too)
Liver – One of the functions are to maintain steady blood sugar levels Alcohol disrupts this process and may result in hypoglycemia.
Symptoms: hunger, weakness, nervousness, sweating, headache.
What is alcohol’s Effects on the body Digestive System?
Alcohol is an Irritant that produces a warm burning sensation in the stomach and intestines.
It promotes flow of gastric juices in
Intoxicating amounts it may interfere or inhibit digestion.
Melatonin
It is the hormone produced by the pineal gland that also acts as a neurotransmitter. It basically controls the sleep-wake cycle. It is also associated with controlling mood and sexual behavior. The production is dependent on light. Light to the retina inhibits the production, while darkness has a stimulating effect on its production.
Endorphins
The neurotransmitters that resemble opioid compounds, like opium, morphine, and heroin in structure. The effects of endorphins on the body are also quite similar to the effects produced by the opioid compounds. In fact, the name ‘endorphin’ is actually the short form for ‘endogenous morphine’.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
Also known as adrenaline it is an excitatory neurotransmitter, that controls attention, arousal, cognition, and mental focus. Norepinephrine is also an excitatory neurotransmitter, and it regulates mood and physical and mental arousal. An increased secretion raises the heart rate and blood pressure.
What are the effects of Norepinphrine?
Energy, alertness, concentration
What happens when a neurotransmitter combines with a receptor site?
The message is passed onto the receiving neuron or
the neurotransmitter is inactivated broken down by an enzyme or reabsorbed by the axon it was released from.
What are the three main parts of neuron and their functions?
Cell body: directs the activity of the neuron.
Dendrites: short branches that extend out from the cell body, receives messages from other neurons and pass them onto the cell body.
Axon: a long fiber that transmits messages from the cell body to the dendrites of other neurons or to other tissues in the body, such as muscles.
What is the Limbic System?
Located deep inside the brain
Two most important parts:
Hippocampus: mainly responsible for learning and memory.
Amygdala: plays a vital role in emotional behavior.
