Drug Addiction Flashcards
What is it?
brain disorder, chronic, powerful, treatable
loss of control
seeking/taking in spite of consequence
how is is studied
animals, biological basis, inate hunger
how do they work?
affect neural communication
cocaine
binds to transporter, blocks reuptake, increases dopamine [ ] = REWARD.
dopamine receptors
G protein coupled (GPCR), gene expression
how do drugs change gene expression
signal transduction, mRNA levels, proteins
epigenetics
DNA related changes in gene expression, no mutations
two mechanisms of epigenetics
1) methylation= prevents translation. 2) acetylation of histone –>opening of chromatin = translation
Why are they responsive to medications?
physiological basis
medication for PS abusers (anyone know what that is?) Prohibited substance?
None approved. focus on dopamine. block euphoria, reduce withdrawal, lessen craving, enhance impaired corticol function. RTI-336, vaccine tx
How can we visual brain function?
brain imaging
how long can it take the brain to return to normal?
months to years
Why are drug so powerful?
override removal mechanisms, alter signal transduction (insert photo: mice having sex)
what regulates natural and biological rewards?
mesocorticolimbic pathway (feeding, drinking, love and sex)