Psychopharmacology Flashcards Preview

Pharmacology of the nervous system > Psychopharmacology > Flashcards

Flashcards in Psychopharmacology Deck (9)
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1
Q

What are the monoamine NT systems?

A

Noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin

adrenaline + histamine are also monoamines

2
Q

What are the two main groups of symptoms in psychiatric disorders?

A

Affective (anxiety + depression)

Psychotic (bipolar / schizophrenia)

3
Q

Which NTs involved in depression, schizophrenia and ADHD?

A

depression: NA, 5HT
schizophrenia: DA, 5HT
ADHD: NA, DA

4
Q

Why are monoaminergic neurons different to glutamatergic neurons?

A

Monoamine neurons: cell bodies sit in groups of nuclei which project to different parts of brain.

Great diversity of post-synaptic receptors: results in diversity of function that transmitter known to modulate

e.g. NA neuron, 90% neurons found in locus coeruleus at back of brainstem, then sends projections to frontal regions

5
Q

What is monamine oxidase + COMT?

A

Monoamine oxidase + Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) = intracellular enzymes, inactivate/degrade monoamines?

6
Q

Where are monoamine reuptake transporters located?

A

Both the dendritic/cell body region & terminal region

Also on glial cells

7
Q

How do autoreceptors produce negative feedback in monoaminergic neurons?

A

Inhibitory effect on calcium channels + positive effect on K+ channels → hyperpolarisation → reduced excitability of nerve (more depolarisation needed to elicit exocytosis)

8
Q

How do autoreceptors produce negative feedback in monoaminergic neurons?

A

Inhibitory effect on calcium channels + positive effect on K+ channels → hyperpolarisation → reduced excitability of nerve (more depolarisation needed to elicit exocytosis)

e.g. a2 adrenoreceptor: Gi coupling (reduces cAMP, inactivates calcium channels, activates potassium channels)

9
Q

How do serotonin and noradrenaline neurons interact?

A

NA= major regulator of the serotonin system: projections from locus coeruleus → dorsal raphe (synapse onto cell bodies in dorsal raphe)

Reciprocal: feedback from serotonergic system to LC via an interneuron

NA input to DR acts on a1 receptors (GPCR) stimulate firing (therefore calcium-dependent serotonin release)

Or if NA is released onto terminal region at synapse can inhibit 5-HT release through activation of alpha2-autoreceptors