Ch 4 Definitions: Psychopharmacology Flashcards
neurotransmitter
a chemical messenger that communicates across a synapse
neuromodulator
a chemical messenger that communicates with target cells more distant than the synapse by diffusing away from the point of release
neurohormone
a chemical messenger that communicates with target cells at great distance by traveling through the circulation
small molecules
one of a group of neurochemicals that includes amino acids & amines
neuropeptide
a peptide that acts as a neurotransmitter, a neuromodulator, or a neurohormone
amino acid
an essential component of proteins
gasotransmitter
a gas such as nitric oxide (NO) that performs a signaling function
acetylcholine (ACh)
a major small-molecule neurochemical used at the neuromuscular junction, in autonomic nervous system & in the CNS
acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh)
nicotinic receptor
a postsynaptic receptor that responds to nicotine & ACh
muscarinic receptor
a postsynaptic receptor that responds to both ACh & muscarine
monoamines
one of a major group of biogenic amine neurochemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin
catecholamines
a member of a group related biogenic amines that include dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine
indoleamines
one of a subgroup of monoamines, including serotonin & melatonin
monoamine oxidase (MAO)
an enzyme that breaks down monoamines
catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT)
an enzyme that breaks down catecholamines in the synaptic gap
L-dopa
a substance produced during the synthesis of catecholamines that is also administered as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease
dopamine
a major monoamine & catecholamine neurochemical implicated in motor control, reward, and psychosis
norepinephrine
a major monoamine & catecholamine neurochemical
epinephrine
one of the monoamine/catecholamine neurochemicals; also known as adrenaline
mesostriatal pathway
or nigrostriatal pathway
a dopaminergic pathway originating in the substantia nigra & projecting to the basal ganglia
mesolimbic pathway
a dopaminergic pathway originating in the ventral tegmentum of the midbrain & projecting to the nucleus accumbens
mesocortical pathway
a dopaminergic pathway originating in the ventral tegmentum of the midbrain & projecting to the prefrontal cortex
serotonin
a major monoamine & indoleamine neurochemical believed to participate in the regulation of mood, sleep, aggression, social status, and appetite
glutamate
a major excitatory amino acid neurochemical
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
a major inhibitory amino acid neurochemical
glycine
an amino acid neurochemical having inhibitory effects in the spinal cord & excitatory effects in conjunction with NMDA glutamate receptor
adenosine
a neurochemical that is the byproduct of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
nitric oxide (NO)
a gas that performs a type of signaling between neurons
agonist
substance that promotes the activity of a neurochemical
antagonist
substance that reduces the action of a neurochemical
reserpine
a substance derived from a plant that depletes supplies of monoamines by interfering with the uptake of monoamines into synaptic vesicles; used to treat high BP & psychosis but often produces depression
methamphetamine
a variation of amphetamine that is cheaply produced & widely abused in the United States
botulism
a fatal condition produced by bacteria in spoiled food, in which a toxin produced by the bacteria prevents the release of ACh
curare
a substance derived from Amazonian plants that causes paralysis by blocking the nicotinic ACh receptor
benzodiazepine
a major tranquilizer that acts as a GABA agonist
barbituate
a drug that produces strong sedation by acting as a GABA agonist
reuptake inhibitor
substance that interferes with the transport of released neurotransmitter molecules back into the presynaptic terminal
area postrema
a brainstem area, in which the BBB is more permeable, that triggers vomiting in response to the detection of circulating toxins
placebo effect
perceived benefit from inactive substances or procedures
double-blind experiment
a research design in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows whether the participant is receiving a drug or placebo until after the research is concluded
tolerance
the process in which more of a drug is needed to produce the same effect
withdrawl
the symptoms that occur when certain drugs are no longer administered or are administered in smaller quantities
addiction
a compulsive craving for drug effects or other experience in spite of negative consequences
psychoactive drug
a drug that produces changes in mental processes
caffeine
a stimulant drug found in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate that acts as an antagonist to adenosine
nicotine
a stimulant drug that is the major active component found in tobacco
cocaine
a powerful, addictive dopamine agonist derived from the leaves of the coca plant of South America
amphetamine
a highly addictive drug that acts as a potent dopamine agonist
ecstasy (MDMA)
a close relative of amphetamine that produces its behavioral effects by stimulating the release of serotonin & oxytocin
opiod
a substance that interacts with endorphin receptors
morphine
a compound extracted from opium, used to treat pain
codeine
an opium derivative used medicinally for cough suppression & pain relief
opiate
an active substance derived from the opium poppy
endorphin
a naturally occurring neuropeptide that is very closely related to opiates
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
the major psychoactive ingredient of cannabis
anandamide
a naturally occurring chemical that interacts with CB1 cannabinoid receptors
sn-2 arachidonylglycerol (2-AG)
a naturally occurring chemical that interacts with CB2 cannabinoid receptors
lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
a hallucinogenic drug that resembles serotonin
alcohol
a substance that not only has its main effect as an agonist at the GABAa receptor, but also stimulates dopaminergic pathways & antagonizes the NMDA glutamate receptor
