Basic CNS Pharmacology and CNS Stimulants Flashcards
Generally, what happens in the cerebral cortex?
information processing and interpretation
What are the specific functions of the cerebral cortex?
sensations, perception, voluntary movement, learning, speech, and cognition
What are the components of the hindbrain?
medulla and cerebellum
What are the centers are located in the medulla?
respiration, cardiac and vasomotor control centers and the reticular formation
What is the function of the cerebellum?
voluntary movement in space and time, controls balance-vermis; and eye movement, and cognitive functions
What are the components of the forebrain?
thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and limbic system
What is the role/function of the thalamus?
It acts not only as a relay center; but also filters and modulates sensory information transmission to the cerebral cortex
What disease is associated with the thalamus?
epilepsy
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
it controls the ANS, hormonal regulation via the pituitary; visceral response; internal homeostasis, and emotions
What is the function of the basal ganglia?
voluntary motor control
What disease is associated with the basal ganglia?
Parkinson’s disease - it is dysfunctional
What is the function of the limbic system?
It comprises the cingulate gyrus, hippocampal formation, and amygdala; emotions, social behavior, and memory
What are the steps in neurotransmitter release?
- Neurostransmitter synthesis
- Vesicular storage
- Enzymatic breakdown of non-vesicular neurotransmitter
- Exocytosis
What are the steps in neurotransmitter action?
- Auto-receptor feedback inhibition
- Postsynaptic receptor activation
- Deactivation by enzymatic breakdown
Anti-epileptics target what?
specific parts in the action potential phase
In the case of epilepsy, what is the synaptic cleft filled with?
glutamate
What are the different types of autoreceptors?
somatodendritic and presynaptic
Where are the norepinephrine cell bodies located?
locus coeruleus
lateral tegmental area
Where are the epinephrine cell bodies located?
the medulla
Where are the dopamine cell bodies located?
substantia nigra
ventral tegmental area
arcuate nucleus
Where are the serotonin cell nodies located?
Raphe nuclei, pons, and medulla
What are catecholaminergic neurons involved in?
movement, mood, attention, and visceral function
What is the role of tyrosine in catecholaminergic neurons?
It is the precursor for three amine neurotransmitters that contain catechol group
What three amine neurotransmitters is tyrosine precursors for?
Dopamine (DA)
Norepinephrine (NE)
Epinephrine (E, adrenaline)
Where are the dopaminergic pathways (what tracts)?
Nigrostriatal, mesocortical, mesolimbic, and tuberoinfundibular
_____ and ____ is caused by hyper dopaminergic transmission.
Elation, euphoria
What drugs modulate dopaminergic function?
neuroleptics
How is dopamine action terminated?
mainly by reuptake-domapine transporter (DAT) and degradation by monoamine oxidase-B (MAOB) and catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT)
What are the distinct groups of dopamine receptors?
D1 group-D1, D5
D2 like group - D2, D3, D4
What does the D1 group of dopamine receptors do?
stimulate adenylyl cyclase
What does the D2 like group receptors do?
inhibit adenylyl cyclase
What neurotransmitter is 5-HT associated with?
serotonin
What does 5-HT act on?
7 major types of receptors and 5-HT transporter (SERT)
What does 5-HT transporter do?
acts as the breaks
What do 5-HT enhancing drugs do?
they are effective modulators of behavior
What does norepinephrine do?
plays a key role in sleep, regulation of anxiety, mood, learning, and memory
Through what receptors does norepinephrine work?
alpha and beta adrenergic receptors
What kind of drugs enhance noradrenergic neurotransmission?
CNS stimulants, SNRIs, and TCAs
How does CL- work with the GABA-A receptor?
it flows into the neuron, hyperpolarizes, and dampens neuron excitability
Where are GABA receptors abundant?
in the Nigrostriatal pathway
What is the function of the majority of interneurons throughout the brain?
inhibit excitability, stabilize membrane potential, prevent repetitive and synchronous discharge of rapidly firing neurons (seizures)
What are Methylxanthines?
bronchodilators
What are the bronchodilators we mentioned in class?
Theophylline, caffeine, and theobromine
What are the pharmacologic actions of bronchodilators?
CNS stimulant
Mild diuretic
Respiratory muscle stimulant effects
Smooth muscle relaxation
What is the mechanism of action of Methylxanthines?
- Phosphodiesterase inhibition leads to the accumulation of cAMP
- Reversible blockade of adenosine receptor
What are the side effects of Methylxanthines?
CNS excitement, seizures and restlessness
Gastrointestinal disturbance- nausea and vomiting
Cardiac dysrhythmia may occur in severe toxicity
Name a common source of theobromine poisoning.
chocolate
True or False: Methyxanthines act by stimulating adenosine receptors.
false
_____ region of the brain acts as a relay center.
Thalamus
