Lecture 11: Drugs Of Abuse Flashcards
Why does methamphetamine go through the blood brain faster than amphetamine?
Because it is more lipophilic.
Does amphetamine act inside or outside the synaptic bouton?
Inside, it enters through the neurotransmitter reuptake transporters.
Why is LSD called a “dirty” drug?
Because it is non specific - hits so many types of 5-HT receptors.
Where does cocaine act?
Cocaine acts on the pre-synaptic transporters, blocking re-uptake of dopamine.
Where on a dopaminergic neuron do opioids, nicotine and alcohol act?
The cell body, causing firing of the dopaminergic neuron.
Which drugs can block the inhibitory GABAergic interneurons that act on dopaminergic neurons?
Opioids, nicotine and alcohol.
Activation of which receptors can have psychotropic effects?
5-HT (serotonin) receptors.
Excessive activation of 5-HT causes hypothermia or hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia. Kinda cooks your brain.
The ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens are involved in what?
Reward.
