Lecture 8 - Nootropics

Question 1

___________: used to enhance memory or other cognitive function

Answer 1

Nootropic

Question 2

To be considered a Nootropic a substance must:

Answer 2

1) Enhance memory and ability to learn
2) Help the brain function under disruptive conditions
3) Protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults, such as anti-cholinergic drugs and barbiturates
4) Increase the efficacy of neuronal firing control mechanisms in cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain
5) Possess few or no side effects and be virtually non-toxic

Question 3

What was the first discovered nootropic:

Answer 3

Piracetam

Question 4

Nootropic / piracetam is a _______________ of the glutamate AMPA receptor that is colocalized with cholinergic receptors

Answer 4

Positive allosteric modulator (PAM)

Question 5

How do Nootropics work (6 steps):

Answer 5

1) Brain energy
2) Brain chemicals
3) Cerebral blood flow
4) Brain waves
5) Neuroprotection
6) Brain regeneration

Question 6

What are the 3 categories of synthetic Nootropics:

Answer 6

1) Racetams
2) CNS stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate
3) Eugeroics such as modafinil

Question 7

__________ used to treat sleepiness due to narcolepsy or sleep apnea

Answer 7

Modafinil

Question 8

Narcolepsy is caused by a dysfunction in ______________ - responsible for wakefulness and sleep surpressing

Answer 8

orexin peptides

Question 9

T or F: In healthy adults, modafinil improves fatigue levels, motivation, reaction time, and viligance. Improves brain function in sleep deprived doctors.

Answer 9

T

Question 10

What are the 5 groups of living seed plants:

Answer 10

1) Cycads
2) Conifers
3) Gnetales
4) Angiosperms
5) Ginkgo

Question 11

Ginkgo - Sheet:

-Scientific name:

Answer 11

-Ginkgo biloba

Question 12

Talk about the 4 mechanism of action of Gingko:

Answer 12

1) Cholinergic: increases uptake and release of Ach
2) Monoamine: increases uptake of serotonin, inhibits MAO
3) GABA: elevates GABA levels, increases glutamin acid decarboxylase activity
4) Vascular: platelet activation factor inhibition, nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation

Question 13

The ___________ is involved in the formation of new memories and is also associated with learning and emotions

Answer 13

hippocampus

Question 14

Which gland secretes melatonin:

Answer 14

pineal gland (associated with light sensing receptors)

Question 15

Gingko enhances release of ____ and alters cholinergic receptors.

Hippocampus - increased presynaptic uptake of _______

Increase in choline uptake due to increase in number of uptake __________ and rate of transport

Answer 15

ACh

choline

transporters

Question 16

T or F: To decrease blood pressure we need adrenergic beta blockers

Answer 16

T

Question 17

Gingko monoamines:

1) Gingko increases uptake of __________
2) Gingko inhibits _____________
3) Gingko reduces _________ binding and activity
4) Gingko reverses the age-related decline in ______________ receptors

Answer 17

• Serotonin
• Monoamine oxidase
• B-adrenergic
• a2-adrenergic