drugz and the brain Flashcards
this type of tissue is degraded in alcoholics
cortical grey matter - faaark
characteristics of foetal alcohol syndrome
learning disabilities, simian crease, small head, bad skills, IQ problems
how can serotonergic, dopaminergic and glutamatergic drugs all be relevant to schizophrenia?
molecular connection between all these systems -> receptors interact physically and physiologically
three types of psychoactive drugs
hedonic, psychedelic, stimulant
acute effects of alcohol
potentiates and antagonises GABA’s effects, interferes with glutamate action. directly stimulates serotonin release
what’s an en passent synapse?
one that appears partway along an axon as it descends
chronic effects of alcohol
reduction in brain volume in cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and cerebellum
problems that result from chronic alcohol abuse
cancer, neuropsychatric diseases, diabetes, CV diseases, GI disease, conditions arising in the perinatal period
reduction in glutamate receptors causes what in mice?
social withdrawal
