6- Neurotransmission: Drug Abuse Flashcards
Nicotine interacts with which receptor
Acetylcholine receptor
Nicotine receptor
Alcohol modulates which receptor
GABA-A
GABA-B
NA receptor
Opioid receptor
Opiates interact with which receptor
Opioid receptor
MDMA interacts with which receptor
Serotonin 2A receptor
Serotonin transporter
Cocaine interacts with which receptor
Dopamine transporter
Amphetamine interacts with which receptor
Releases dopamine
Barbiturates interacts with which receptor
Modulates GABA-A receptor
Cannabis interacts with which receptor
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor
Effects of cocaine
Blocks dopamine transporter- increases levels of dopamine
Local anaesthetic- resembles lidocaine
Effects of amphetamine
Enhances dopamine release and reduces reuptake
How is dopamine released
Presynaptic depolarisation
It is then taken back up by the dopamine transporter (DAT)
What does DAT do
Takes dopamine from the post synapse and is transported to the VMAT which reincorporates it into vesicles
What is DAT
Dopamine transporter
What is VMAT
Vesicular monoamine transporter
How does cocaine affect the DAT
Blocks the DAT
How does amphetamine affect dopamine
Amphetamine is transported into the presynaptic terminal by DAT
It then displaces dopamine from vesicles so it’s released from the synapse
Where is the CB1 receptor expressed
Mostly CNS
Where is the CB2 receptor expressed
Mostly peripheral
What is THC’s affinity and efficacy
High affinity
Lower efficacy
Partial agonist
Full agonist
Produces maximal stimulation of the target at higher doses- high efficacy
Partial agonist
Produces a smaller effect than a full agonist even at higher doses
Can compete with a full agonist, reducing its effect
Moderate efficacy
Antagonist
Produces a negligible effect regardless of dose
Low efficacy
Reduces the effect of partial and full agonist by competition at the receptor
Treating drug addiction
Substitute the drug with one with less rewarding properties
Block the effects of a rewarding drug by treating with an agonist or partial agonist
