Chapter 4 - Psychopharmacology Flashcards
Neuromodulator
A chemical messenger that communicates with target cells more distant then the synapse by diffusing away from the point of release
Neurotransmitter
A chemical messenger that communicates across a synapse
Neurohormone
A chemical messenger that communicates with target cells at a great distance often by traveling through the circulation
Small-molecule transmitter
One of a group of chemical messengers that includes amino acids and amines
Neuropeptide
A peptide that acts as a neurotransmitter a Neuromodulator or a neurohormone
Amino acid
An essential component of proteins
Acetylcholine (ACh)
A major small-molecule neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular junction, in the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Nicotinic receptor
A post synaptic receptor that responds to nicotine and ACh
Muscarinic receptor
A post synaptic receptor that responds to both ACh and muscarine
Monoamine
One of a major group of biogenic amine neurotransmitters including dopamine norepinephrine epinephrine and serotonin
Catecholamine
A member of a group of related biogenetic amines that includes dopamine epinephrine and norepinephrine
Indoleamine
One of a subgroup of mono amines including serotonin and melatonin
Monoamine oxidase
A enzyme that breaks down monoamines
L-Dopa
A substance produced during synthesis of catecholamines that is also administered as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
Dopamine
A major monoamine and catecholamines neurotransmitter implicated in motor control reward and psychosis
Norepinephrine
A major monoamine and catecholamines neurotransmitter
Epinephrine
One of the monoamine and carecholamine neurotransmitters also known as adrenaline
Serotonin
A major monoamine and indoleamine neurotransmitter believed to participate in the regulation of mood sleep and appetite
Glutamate
A major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter
Gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA
A major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter
Adenosine CNS
A byproduct of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that functions as a neurotransmitter
Nitric oxide (NO)
A gas they performs a type of signaling between neurons
Agonist
Substance that promotes the activity of a neurotransmitter
Antagonist
Substance that reduces the action of a neurotransmitter
Reserpine
A substance derived from a plant that depletes supplies of monoamines by interfering with the reputake of monoamines into the synaptic vesicles used to treat high blood pressure but often produces depression
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 nictonic ACh receptor
Benzodiazepine
A major tranquilizer that acts as a GABA agonist
Barbiturate
A drug that produces strong sedation by acting as a GABA agonist used for amnesia and seizures
Reputake inhibitor
Substance that interferes with the transport of released neurotransmitter molecules back into the presumaptic terminal
Area prostrema
A brainstem area in which the blood barrier is more permeable that triggers vomiting in response to the detection of circulating toxins
Addiction
A compulsive craving for drug effects or other experience
Nucleus accumbens
A dopaminergic structure believed to participate in reward and addiction
Psychoactive drug
A drug that produces changes in mental processes
Caffeine
A stimulant drug found in coffee, tea cola and chocolate that acts as a 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
Methamphetamine
A variation of amphetamine that is cheaply produced and widely abused
Ecstasy (MDMA(
a close relative of amphetamine that produces its behavioral effects by stimulating the release of serotonin
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
An illegal liquid sedative that appears to affect the thresholds of release for a number of neurotransmitters -date rape body building
Morphine
A compound extracted from opium used to treat pain
Codeine
An opium derivative used medically for cough suppression and pain relief
Opiate
An active substance derived from the opium poppy
Endorphin
A naturally occurring Neuropeptide that is very closely related to opioids
Tetahydrocannabinol THC
The major ingredient in cannabis
Anandamide
A naturally occurring brain chemical that interacts with cannabinol do receptors
