Alcohol Flashcards
Methyl
Poisonous form of alcohol
Isopropyl
Rubbing alcohol
Ethyl
Drinking alcohol
How is brain function impaired by alcohol
An imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters is caused by the consumption of alcohol
Alcohol’s Effects on Glutamate
Glutamate is inhibited and less effective at the NMDA receptors. This results in loss of memory and spatial awareness
NMDA receptors are created over time to account for this which can lead to withdrawal symptoms of excess glutamate.
Alcohol’s Effects on Glutamate
Increases GABA activity
Neuroadaptive mechanisms to reduce GABA show initial tolerance to alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol
Alcohol’s Effects on Dopamine
Increase in dopamine levels
Chronic effects show reduced firing rate in dopaminergic system, release, and metabolism. Once dependent on alcohol, doesn’t feel as good.
Alcohol’s Effects on Opioids
Increase in indogenous opioid synthesis and release.
Neuroadaptive decrease in endorphin levels. This leads to dysphoria (dissatisfaction with life)
What is the rate of alcohol metabolism
1 drink per hour
Describe where alcohol is metabolized
10% of alcohol is broken down in the stomach. The rest enters the small intestine where it is absorbed into the blood stream. Alcohol is then metabolized in the liver.
Describe how alcohol is metabolized
Alcohol is broken down by alcohol dehydrogenase into acetaldehyde. The alcohol is then broken down by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase into acetic acid. Acetic acid is broken down by oxidation into water and CO2.
Area Prostema
Located on dorsal surface of medulla oblongata (right before spinal cord) that causes us to vomit if it detects toxic levels of alcohol
Alcohol and White Matter
Frequent consumption of alcohol results in deterioration of white matter
Fermentation
When microscopic yeast cells fall on a product containing sugar. The yeast converts the sugar into alcohol
Distillation
Once alcohol percentage reaches about 15% the alcohol is distilled in order to reach higher concentrations.
Blood Alcohol Concentration
The basis of how alcohol affects our behaviour
Pyloric Sphincter
Muscle that regulates movement of alcohol from stomach to small intestine
Cytochrome P450 family
Second class liver enzymes that convert alcohol to acetaldehyde
CYP 2E1
Important enzyme that metabolizes many drugs as well as alcohol. Its why so many people get messed up if people drink and do drugs because both the drugs and alcohol have to share
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Characterized by confusion, disorientation and memory loss. Result of heavy drinking
Acute Tolerance
Occurs within singles exposure
Induction
Increase in enzymes in response to constant alcohol consumtption
