CH 4 Drugs and the Brain (QUESTIONS)

Question 1

What can affect several processes at the level of the synapse?

Answer 1

Psychoactive drugs

Question 2

What are the 5 stages of Synaptic transmission

Answer 2

1. Synthesis and storage of neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitter molecules are produced and stored in synaptic vesicles inside the presynaptic neuron.
2. Release into the synaptic cleft: When an electrical signal (action potential) reaches the synaptic terminal, the vesicles release neurotransmitters into the gap between neurons (synaptic cleft).
3. Binding to receptors: The released neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron’s membrane, triggering a response in the receiving cell.
4. Inactivation or removal: After binding, neurotransmitters are either broken down by enzymes or drift away from the synapse.
5. Re-uptake: Some neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron for reuse, ending their signalling effect

Question 3

How do agonistic drugs affect synaptic transmission? (3)

Answer 3

1. Synthesis, storage, release: Drugs cause neuron to synthesize more transmitter molecules, store them more safely, or release them.
2. Binding: Drugs and neurotransmitter have similar structure.Drug binds with receptor site and activates it.
3. Re-uptake: Drug blocks re-uptake. More transmitter molecules remain in synapse, available to activate receptor sites

Question 4

How do antagonistic drugs affect synaptic transmission? (2)

Answer 4

1. Synthesis, storage, release: Drug impairs neuron’s ability to synthesize, store, or release transmitter. Molecules may leak and degrade prematurely.
2. Binding: Drug bins with receptor site but is not similar enough to transmitter to activate site. Blocks transmitter form activating site.

Question 5

Brain makes it’s own ________

Answer 5

Drugs

Question 6

Where an Acetylcholine be found? What are its affects in each. (

Answer 6

Black widow venom + Nicotine = Stimulates

Botulinum toxin (Botox) + Curare: Blocks

Question 7

What condition depletes ACh?

Answer 7

Alzheimer’s disease

Question 8

What can degeneration of DA neurons lead to? (2)

Answer 8

• Too much dopamine = schizophrenia symptoms
• Blocking dopamine with anti-psychotic drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine) = symptom relief but possible motor side effects (Parkinsonism)

Question 9

What agonistic drugs is dopamine found in? (2)

Answer 9

• Cocaine
• Amphetamines

Question 10

Continued use of agonistic drugs with dopamine can result in? (2)

Answer 10

• Positive symptoms
• Depletion

Question 11

Dopamine & Schizophrenia (2)

Answer 11

• Too much dopamine = schizophrenia symptoms
• Blocking dopamine with anti-psychotic drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine) = symptom relief but possible motor side effects (Parkinsonism)

Question 12

Drugs with dopamine that can also block NE synapses? What are their affects? (2, 3)

Answer 12

1. Cocaine and Amphetamines
2. Effects linked to mood disorders:

• High NE = mania
• Low NE = depression

Drug abuse causes a temporary high followed by a mood crash.

Question 13

What do different levels of serotonin indicate?

Answer 13

1. Low Levels
   - Activity observed during sleep
   - Prolonged: Depression, OCD
2. High Levels
   - Activity observed during wakefulness
   - Indicates alert and stable moods

Question 14

What drugs boost the affects of GABA? What do they do?

Answer 14

Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines

Ex. Valium, Xanax, and Phenobarbital.

• Results in more IPSPs: Calms brain