Behavioural (year 2)

Question 1

define true abnormal behaviour

Answer 1

behaviour that is abnormal for that species or situation

Question 2

what is behaviour driven by?

Answer 2

emotional motivations from prior experiences

Question 3

what is the aim of behavioural pharmacology?

Answer 3

restore the animal to good emotional health

Question 4

what are the four neurotransmitters that may be involved?

Answer 4

serotonin
dopamine
GABA
noradrenaline

Question 5

what is the role of serotonin?

Answer 5

regulate mood, appetite and arousal

Question 6

what is the role of dopamine?

Answer 6

pleasure, memory, emotional regulation

Question 7

what is the role of GABA?

Answer 7

inhibitory neurotransmitter

Question 8

what is the role of noradrenaline?

Answer 8

important for learning and facilitation of other neurotransmitters

Question 9

what are the 5 main group of veterinary psychoactive drugs?

Answer 9

tricyclic antidepressants
specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors
monoamine oxidase inhibitors
benzodiazepines
beta blockers

Question 10

what sort of disorder are tricyclic antidepressants used for?

Answer 10

anxiety

Question 11

what are 5-HT receptors for?

Answer 11

serotonin

Question 12

what is the mode of action of tricyclic antidepressants?

Answer 12

block serotonin and noradrenaline transporters to inhibit the reuptake of them and increase their concentrations in the synapse

Question 13

what will prolonged use of tricyclic antidepressants cause?

Answer 13

down regulation of post-synaptic serotonin and noradrenaline receptors

Question 14

give some examples of tricyclic antidepressants

Answer 14

amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin

Question 15

what are the adverse effects of tricyclic antidepressants?

Answer 15

sodium and calcium channel blockers so have cardiac effects

also act as anti-histamines and anticholinergics

Question 16

what disorder can clomipramine be used to treat?

Answer 16

separation anxiety

Question 17

describe the pharmacokinetics of clomipramine

Answer 17

extensive first pass metabolism
highly plasma protein bound
excreted in the bile

Question 18

describe the mode of action of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Answer 18

inhibits the reuptake of serotonin meaning it remains in the synapse for longer

Question 19

how do the side effects of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors compare with tricyclic antidepressants?

Answer 19

much less binding to other receptors when using specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors so the side effects are less

Question 20

what is the main drug in the specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors group?

Answer 20

fluoxetine

Question 21

describe the pharmokinetics of fluoxetine

Answer 21

first pass metabolism after oral administration
highly plasma protein bound
mainly excreted in urine
long elimination half life - 6-8 weeks to reach maximum effect

Question 22

what is monoamine oxidase and where is it found?

Answer 22

enzyme found in many tissues including the CNS

two forms - MAO-A and MAO-B

Question 23

what is MAO used to breakdown?

Answer 23

serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine

Question 24

which type of MAO is the main enzyme involved in the breakdown of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine?

Answer 24

MAO-B

Question 25

give an example of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and which type of MAO it inhibits

Answer 25

selegiline | inhibits MAO-B

Question 26

what is the main use of selegiline?

Answer 26

treat canine cognitive dysfunction | also useful to treat fear associated with low self-confidence

Question 27

how does selegiline treat canine cognitive dysfunction?

Answer 27

increase free radical scavenging and enhances nerve growth factor synthesis

Question 28

selegiline also has an effect of catecholamines, what are these effects?

Answer 28

increased release from neurone, inhibits activity of presynaptic receptor, inhibits reuptake

Question 29

where is selegiline metabolised?

Answer 29

liver

Question 30

what is the mode of action of benzodiazepines?

Answer 30

facilitate GABA having effects on the hypothalamus and limbic system

Question 31

what three effects do benzodiazepines have?

Answer 31

anxiolytic, sedative, amnesic

Question 32

benzodiazepines are better for short term use, why is this?

Answer 32

negative effects on learning due to amnesic | addiction and tolerance can occur

Question 33

why should benzodiazepines be phased out and not suddenly stopped?

Answer 33

can cause rebound whereby the previous behaviour returns suddenly and potentially more severe

Question 34

what species should benzodiazepines be avoided in and why?

Answer 34

cats as it can cause fatal hepatic necrosis

Question 35

give an example of a benzodiazepine used in canines

Answer 35

alprazolam

Question 36

what are beta blockers used for?

Answer 36

reduce physiological signs of panic and stress in anxiety/anticipation situations

Question 37

give an example of a beta blocker used in behavioural pharmacology

Answer 37

propanolol

Question 38

name two anti-epileptic drugs that can be used in behavioural pharmacology

Answer 38

topiramate and imepitoin

Question 39

what is the mode of action of topiramate and what is it used for?

Answer 39

potentiation of GABA useful in managing compulsive behaviours

Question 40

what is the mode of action of imepitoin and what is it used for?

Answer 40

partial GABA agonist used in rapid reduction of fear and anxiety

Question 41

what is a group of sedatives that may be useful in controlling fear? give an example

Answer 41

alpha2 agonist such as dexmedetomidine

Question 42

what is the mode of action of gabapentin?

Answer 42

blocks release of glutamate by binding presynaptic calcium channels, reduced glutamate in the amygdala is thought to have anxiolytic effects

Question 43

what is serotonin syndrome?

Answer 43

many of the behaviour drugs increase serotonin however serotonin toxicity can be fatal side effects include agitation, tachycardia and hyperthermia