Pharmacology for the Nervous System Flashcards
(46 cards)
What is the main focus of CNS pharmacology?
To modify synaptic transmissions in the central nervous system.
What are the functions of the cerebrum?
- thinking
- sensory perception
- voluntary motor actions
What disorders are associated with the basal ganglia?
Disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease are associated with the basal ganglia.
What are the functions of the diencephalon?
- The diencephalon includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.
- Controlling sensations, temperature, appetite, water balance, and emotional reactions.
What are the functions of the mesencephalon and brainstem?
Controls respiration, cardiovascular function, arousal, and alertness.
What role does the cerebellum play?
The cerebellum helps plan and coordinate motor activity and maintain balance and posture.
What is the function of the limbic system?
The limbic system regulates emotional and behavioral activities (motivation, aggression, and sexual activity).
What are the functions of the spinal cord?
The spinal cord connects neurons and transmits signals between the brain and specific body levels.
What is the blood-brain barrier?
A selective filter that limits substances entering the CNS, allowing nonpolar lipid-soluble drugs to pass through.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons, producing excitatory or inhibitory effects.
What is the role of acetylcholine in the CNS?
Acetylcholine is helpful in cognition and memory, generally producing excitatory effects.
What is dopamine associated with in the CNS?
Dopamine regulates motor control, mood, and emotions, and is commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
- Inhibition
What effects does norepinephrine have in the CNS?
Norepinephrine increases alertness, arousal, and attention by causing excitation through inhibition.
What is serotonin’s primary role in the CNS?
- Serotonin acts as a strong inhibitor
- Affecting mood, behavior, and inhibiting painful stimuli.
What are the functions of GABA and glycine?
GABA and glycine are inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing inhibition at presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.
What are the roles of aspartate and glutamate?
Aspartate and glutamate cause CNS excitation and may produce neurotoxic effects during CNS injury.
What are the functions of substance P?
Substance P is an excitatory transmitter in the spinal cord, mediating the transmission of painful sensations.
How do drugs affect presynaptic action potential?
Certain drugs block propagation along neural axons, eliminating activity at the synapse by preventing action potential from reaching the presynaptic terminal.
What happens when neurotransmitter synthesis is inhibited?
Blocking synthesis depletes the presynaptic terminal and impairs transmission.
What is the effect of inhibiting neurotransmitter storage?
Impairing storage decreases the synapse’s ability to transmit information for extended periods.
How do drugs that affect neurotransmitter release work?
Some drugs increase synaptic activity by increasing neurotransmitter release, while others decrease activity by reducing release.
What is the result of inhibiting neurotransmitter reuptake?
Impairing reuptake allows more neurotransmitter to remain in the synaptic cleft, increasing synaptic activity.
How does inhibiting neurotransmitter degradation affect synaptic activity?
Inhibition prevents breakdown of the transmitter, allowing more active neurotransmitter to remain in the cleft and increasing activity.
What is the role of postsynaptic receptor modulation?
Drugs can block or enhance receptor activity, affecting neurotransmitter binding and synaptic transmission.
