Applied Neuropharmacology Flashcards
how could you use pharmacological intervention to reduce synaptic transmission?
> block Na channels > increase transmitter uptake > block release of machinery > increase breakdown of the transmitter > block voltage gated Ca channels > inhibit synthesis and packaging of neurotransmitter > activate presynaptic inhibitory receptors > block postsynaptic receptors > block voltage gated Ca channels
what pharmacological intervention could increase synaptic transmission?
> block uptake of transmitter
block breakdown of transmitter
potentiate the effects of the transmitter on the receptor
activate postsynaptic receptors with an antagonist
increase synthesis and packaging of neurotransmitter
name 6 types of neurotransmitters
> acetylcholine > monoamines > amino acids > purines > neuropeptides > NO
name three monoamines
> noradrenaline
dopamine
serotonin
name some neuropeptides
> endorphins
CCK
substance P
what is the anatomical distribution of dopamine in the brain?
> brainstem
basal ganglia
limbic system and frontal cortex
what are the physiological functions affected by dopamine?
> vomiting
voluntary movement
emotions and reward
what is the pathophysiology of parkinsons?
> degeneration of the dopamine in the substantia nigra
> dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia
describe dopamine synthesis
glycine alanine phenylalanine tyrosine DOPA dopamine
how is dopamine synthesis modulated in vivo
> dopamine does not cross the blood brain barrier so cannot just be given
the enzyme that converts DOPA into dopamine is blocked outside the BBB
DOPA crosses the BBB and is converted into dopamine
why can dopamine produce many and different effects in different brain regions?
as there are 5 subtypes of metabotropic receptors that do different things and are expressed in different parts of the brain
what is dopamine broken down into?
homovanillic acid
what are the key enzymes in dopamine breakdown?
> MAO-B
> COMT
what are the two intermediate substances in dopamine breakdown?
> dihydroxyphenylacetic acid
> 3-methoxytryptamine
name a dopamine precursor drug
levodopa