Drugs And Synapses (8.14)

Question 1

State the neurotransmitter problem that is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Answer 1

The neurons in the basal ganglia die resulting in the decreased production of dopamine resulting in the development of Parkinson’s symptoms

Question 2

Explain how L-dopa works to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s

Answer 2

It is absorbed by nerve cells in the brain and converted into dopamine which will help increase levels of the neurotransmitter

Question 3

State the neurotransmitter problem that is responsible for the symptoms of depression

Answer 3

Decreased levels of serotonin in the brain

Question 4

Explain how SSRIs work to treat the symptoms of depression

Answer 4

SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.