Drugs and it's impact on neurotransmission

Question 1

1. how does Cocaine impact neurotransmission
2. how does Cocaine change the behaviour (short term)
3. long term effects

Answer 1

1. basically, its highjacks dopamine transporters so dopamine neurotransmitters are stuck in the synapse binding repeatedly on the receptors
2. Euphoria, self-confidence, energy and alertness (duration 15-30 minutes)
3. After damaging the reward pathway, they become fidgety and unable to stay still
   Addiction will be the most common as dopamine receptors become desensitized due to overstimulation hence leading to larger amount of intake and volume just to feel that pleasure that they’re addicted to

Question 2

1. how does Heroine impact neurotransmission
2. how does Heroine change the behaviour (short term)
3. long term effects

Answer 2

1. basically, copies the native opiates that allow the inhibitory neurotransmitter to control the level of dopamine the brains receives and then just letting the dopamine levels go wild and release as much as it can
   * a super drug meaning from the 1st time you use it you will instantly get hooked very easily
2. pleasure feelings and reduces pain
3. Dry mouth, heavy limbs followed with a slowing of mental functions, breathing and heart rate
   Addiction will be the most common as dopamine receptors become desensitized due to overstimulation hence leading to larger amount of intake and volume just to feel that pleasure that they’re addicted to

Question 3

1. how does amphetamine impact neurotransmission
2. how does amphetamine change the behaviour (short term)
3. long term effects

Answer 3

1. Target axon terminal which change the electrical messages to chemical messages so the axon button can pass it onto the dendrites of the next neuron in addition monoamine neurotransmitters that’s being passed about includes serotonin, dopamine etc which linger inside the brain being stopped from ever leaving hence have effects such as euphoria, anxiety, reward etc
2. Increase heart rate, blood pressure, decreased appetite, dilated pupils, feelings of happiness and power and reduce fatigue
3. Addiction will be the most common as dopamine receptors become desensitized due to overstimulation hence leading to larger amount of intake and volume just to feel that pleasure that they’re addicted to

Question 4

describe agonist (drug)

antagonist (drug)

reuptake inhibitor

Answer 4

Has similar properties to a specific neurotransmitter hence able to mimic the effects. Binds to the receptors (ingested) in the dendrites acting as if more neurotransmitters had been present
For example, cocaine they do something like the text above

Reduces or stops the normal effects of a neurotransmitter. Binds to the receptors (ingested) in the dendrites hence blocking the neurotransmitter
For example, poison curare is a neurotransmitter acetylcholine which stops communicating among the neurons normally leading to death

When blocked by drugs more neurotransmitter remains in the synapse increasing its action (repeatedly sends the messages over again)

Question 5

strengths

Answer 5

Evidence of drug effects for neurotransmission come from studies of humans as well as animals Volkow et al (1997) used PET scans on human participants to track the activity of dopamine during cocaine induced high. They found that the extent to which cocaine occupied dopamine correlated positively with the course of the participants experience. In other words, their high intensified as more dopamine flooded the pathways caused by cocaine and the high was reduced as that cocaine became less active, this supports the view that evidence from animal studies is valid as human studies produce similar results

Olds & Milner (1954) studied rats and connected wires to their brains, to trigger the pleasure centre of the brain using electricity. The rats could give their brains a pleasurable electric shock by pressing a lever. Olds & Milner noticed that the rats would return to the lever over and over, ignoring other sources of pleasure like food or rats of the opposite sex. In other words, they behaved rather like drug addicts

Diana Marinez et al (2012) used PET scans to demonstrate that once rat had taken heroin it changed the dopamine receptors, this showing how drugs can cause addiction, using objective and scientific evidence.

Question 6

weaknesses

Answer 6

Alexander (1980) study dispute the effects of drugs in addiction, drugs do not cause addiction, and laboratory rats become addicted to the drug due to the environment not biology. He built Rat Park community space. There were 16–20 rats of both sexes in residence, an abundance of food, balls and wheels for play, and enough space for mating and raising litters. Rats who had been forced to consume morphine hydrochloride for 57 consecutive days were brought to Rat Park and given a choice between plain tap water and water laced with morphine. For the most part, they chose the plain water. Control groups of rats isolated in small cages consumed much more morphine in this and several subsequent experiments.