Anxiolytics (PD - Week 3)

Question 1

What are anxiolytics used for

Answer 1

feeling of unease which can range from mild to severe

Question 2

What are the effects of alcohol on GABA and Glutamate

Answer 2

increases GABA

decreases Glutamate

Question 3

What regulates the stress responce

Answer 3

The HPA axis

Question 4

Name 5 types of anxiety disorders

Answer 4

1. General anxiety disorder
2. specific phobias
3. social phobias
4. panic disorder
5. OCD
6. PTSD

Question 5

Name 3 classes of drugs to treat anxiety disorders

Answer 5

• Benzodiazepines
• 5-HT1a receptor antagonists
• B-noradrenergic receptor antagonists

Question 6

GABAa receptor allows the influx of which ion

Answer 6

Cl-

Question 7

Where does GABA bind on the GABAa receptor

Answer 7

alpha and beta subunit

Question 8

Where do Benzodiazepines bind on the GABAa receptor

Answer 8

alpha and gamma subunit

Question 9

Explain the effect on GABA when benzodiazepines bind

Answer 9

enhances GABA inhibitory activity

Question 10

Explain the relationship between tolerance and benzodiazepines

Answer 10

tolerance results in desensitisation of GABA receptors and an increased sensitisation of the excitatory neurotransmitter system NMDA glutamate receptors

Question 11

Explain the relationship between benzodiazepines and withdrawal

Answer 11

decrease in GABA and increase in glutamate leads to heightened anxiety

Question 12

What GPCR is 5-HT1a coupled to

Answer 12

Gi

Question 13

Explain the mechanism of action of Buspirone

Answer 13

• partial 5-HT1a receptor agonist - inhibits serotonin release
• buspirone can cause desensitization of 5-HT1A receptor which leads to downregulation of this receptor and therefore increase serotonin

Question 14

Explain the mechanism of action of SSRIs

Answer 14

• increase serotonin
• block the SERT transporter so more 5-HT is available
• used for long term potentiation