WEEK 1 - CNS DRUGS Flashcards
(152 cards)
A complex network collection of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
Nervous system
Neurons communicate with their target tissues at synapses into which they release chemical substances called
neurotransmitters (ligands)
- Gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- Acetylcholine
Major Neurotransmitters
- Excitatory neurotransmitters
- Inhibitory neurotransmitters
Classification of neurotransmitters
functions to prevent an action potential
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
Function to activate receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and enhance the effects of the action potential
Excitatory neurotransmitters
The most powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter produced by the neurons of the spinal chord, cerebellum, basal ganglia and many areas of the cerebral cortex
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)
Functions is closely related to mood and emotions.
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)
function is to reduce neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)
When GABA is abnormally low this can lead to
ANXIETY
an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been found to be intimately involved in emotion and mood.
SEROTONIN (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)
Released from the neurons of the brainstem, and by neurons that innervate the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system), and found in platelets(thrombocytes) which release it during coagulation(hemostasis)
SEROTONIN (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)
Functions is to regulates body temperature, perception of pain, emotion, and sleep cycle (search for stages)
SEROTONIN (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)
An insufficient secretion of serotonin may result in
- decrease immune system function
- emotional disorders (depression, anger control probs, OCD, even suicidal tendencies)
Regulates sleep, wakefulness and mood as well as the delusions, hallucinations and withdrawal of schizophrenia
SEROTONIN (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)
neurotransmitter secreted by the neurons of the substantia nigra.
DOPAMINE (DA)
considered a special type of neurotransmitter because its effects are both excitatory and inhibitory
DOPAMINE (DA)
- inhibits unnecessary movements
- inhibits the release of prolactin
- stimulates the secretion of growth hormone
DOPAMINE (DA)
Drugs and alcohol abuse can temporarily increase dopamine level in the blood leading to
confusion and inability to focus
can temporarily increase dopamine level in the blood leading to confusion and inability to focus
Drugs and alcohol abuse
Results from dopamine deficiency related to the destruction of the substantia nigra
Parkinson’s disease
Involved in regulation of and cognition, emotional responses and motivation
Dopamine containing neurons
Also known as noradrenaline (Nad)
NOREPINEPHRINE(NE)
excitatory neurotransmitter produced by the brainstem, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands and released into the bloodstream
NOREPINEPHRINE(NE)