Drugs and the Nervous System

Question 1

Describe the effect of nicotine

Answer 1

• Nicotine mimics the effect of the acetylcholine receptors in the form of NICOTONIC RECEPTORS.
• Triggers an action potential but the receptor remains unresponsive to more stimulation for some time.

Nicotine increases the heart rate and blood pressure (triggers release of dopamine)

Question 2

Describe the effect of lidocaine

Answer 2

• Lidocaine molecules BLOCK VOLTAGE GATED Na CHANNELS in post synaptic membranes stopping an impulse from conducting along nerve fibres.

Question 3

Describe the effect of cobra venom

Answer 3

• PREVENTS BINDING OF NEUROTRANSMITTER TO RECEPTORS by binding to acetylcholine receptors in the post synaptic membrane, stopping the transmission of impulses across synapses.
• As a result muscles aren’t stimulated to contract and you can become paralysed.