Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

PSYC 302 > lecture summaries > Flashcards

lecture summaries Flashcards

1
Q

What is the fundamental difference between pain and other sensations?

A

Pain sensitizes (increases in intensity over time) while other sensations habituate (decrease in intensity over time).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How quickly does sensitization occur?

A

Sensitization occurs over minutes to hours to days, not seconds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the two types of sensitization?

A
  • Peripheral Sensitization
  • Central Sensitization
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Where does peripheral sensitization occur?

A

In peripheral nerve fibers (peripheral ends of nociceptors).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the nature of peripheral sensitization?

A

Neurochemical in nature, related to substances released into injured tissue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the ‘inflammatory soup’?

A

Molecules released into injured tissue that activate nociceptors to fire more than tissue damage would predict.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where does central sensitization occur?

A
  • Central nervous system (spinal cord and brain)
  • DRG (dorsal root ganglion)
  • Spinal cord terminals of nociceptors
  • Second-order neurons
  • Higher brain centers (amygdala, insula, cingulate)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What experimental evidence demonstrates peripheral sensitization?

A

Demonstrated using skin-nerve preparations from anesthetized animals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What was the result of the bradykinin study?

A

Firing started at lower temperatures after bradykinin application, demonstrating allodynia and hyperalgesia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What was Clifford Wolff’s discovery in 1983?

A

Found that mechanical threshold decreased for about 5 hours after burn injury, indicating allodynia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the significance of contralateral effects in central sensitization?

A

Proves that WDR neurons themselves had changed their properties after injury.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the electrophysiological recording methods for sensitization?

A
  • Recording in periphery
  • Recording in spinal cord
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is ‘wind-up’ in the context of pain?

A

Repeated stimulation causes progressive increases in spinal neuron firing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the difference between primary and secondary hyperalgesia?

A
  • Primary Hyperalgesia: occurs at the site of injury
  • Secondary Hyperalgesia: occurs in the area surrounding injury
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is primary allodynia?

A

Innocuous stimulus + peripherally sensitized nociceptor + normal central pathway.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What causes spontaneous pain?

A

Ectopic firing of neurons without external stimulus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is plasticity in the context of pain?

A

Changes in the nervous system that occur due to injury or experience.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the two types of plasticity?

A
  • Functional Plasticity
  • Structural Plasticity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What major shift has occurred in pain research regarding immune cells?

A

Neuroimmunology has emerged as a field recognizing the importance of immune cells in pain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the central challenge of pain measurement?

A

Pain is subjective, raising questions about objectivity vs. subjectivity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are some methods of experimental pain measurement?

A
  • Thermodes for heat stimuli
  • Cold pressor test
  • Pressure algometers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are pain threshold and pain tolerance?

A
  • Pain threshold: when sensation becomes painful
  • Pain tolerance: when pain becomes unbearable
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain measurement?

A

A 0-10 scale (11 points) used for self-reported pain ratings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Fill in the blank: Primary hyperalgesia occurs at the site of _______.

A

[injury]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
True or False: Central sensitization can occur without peripheral sensitization.
True
26
What is the mechanism of action for NSAIDs?
NSAIDs work by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) ## Footnote Blocking these enzymes prevents conversion of arachidonic acid to PGH2, leading to reduced pain.
27
What are the consequences of blocking COX enzymes?
The blockade affects all prostaglandin production: * PGI2 * thromboxane A2 * PGD2 * PGF2 ## Footnote This can lead to side effects throughout the body, not just in pain pathways.
28
What is the difference between COX-1 and COX-2?
COX-1: * Constitutively expressed * Required for normal 'housekeeping' functions * Present in stomach, colon, and other organs COX-2: * Inducible enzyme * Gene expression triggered by inflammation * Primarily expressed in mast cells during inflammation ## Footnote COX-2 is responsible for producing PGE2 during the inflammatory response.
29
What is the purpose of developing COX-2 selective inhibitors?
To preserve normal COX-1 function (reducing side effects) while still providing effective pain and inflammation relief ## Footnote Targeting only COX-2 would minimize adverse effects from COX-1 inhibition.
30
Which NSAIDs are more COX-1 selective?
Ibuprofen and naproxen ## Footnote They are noted for blocking both COX-1 and COX-2 but have a preference for COX-1.
31
What are some examples of COX-2 selective inhibitors?
Examples include: * Celecoxib (Celebrex) - moderately selective * Rofecoxib (Vioxx) - highly selective * Valdecoxib (Bextra) - highly selective ## Footnote Rofecoxib was withdrawn due to safety concerns.
32
What cardiovascular risks were associated with COX-2 inhibitors?
Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes: approximately 0.3% annual additional risk ## Footnote This led to risk warnings and subsequent withdrawals of certain COX-2 inhibitors.
33
What allegations did Merck face regarding Vioxx?
Merck faced allegations of misconduct, including delaying reporting of side effects and attempting to hide cardiovascular risk data ## Footnote Internal emails suggested executives downplayed concerns.
34
Is acetaminophen (paracetamol) an NSAID?
No, acetaminophen is not an NSAID ## Footnote It provides analgesia and has antipyretic effects but does not reduce inflammation.
35
What is known about acetaminophen's mechanism of action?
The mechanism remains unclear as of 2025 ## Footnote Various hypotheses include potential involvement of cannabinoid receptors and serotonin pathways.
36
What is transduction in the context of pain sensation?
Transduction is the transformation of environmental energy into neuronal firing ## Footnote Primary afferent neurons are responsible for this process.
37
What are TRP channels and their role in temperature sensation?
TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) channels respond to different temperature ranges * Very cold: TRPA1, some TRPM8 * Moderate cold: TRPM8 * Warm: TRPV3, TRPV1 ## Footnote TRPV1 is activated by temperatures above 42-43°C.
38
What plant compounds activate TRP channels?
Examples include: * Capsaicin (activates TRPV1) * Menthol (activates TRPM8) * Mustard oil, garlic (activate TRPA1) ## Footnote These compounds often serve to deter herbivores.
39
What is the clinical relevance of TRPV1?
TRPV1 is activated by heat and acidic conditions, making it relevant in burn and inflammatory pain ## Footnote It integrates multiple pain pathways.
40
What happened to the development of TRPV1 antagonists?
All TRPV1 antagonist projects were abandoned due to side effects such as hyperthermia and significant quality of life impacts ## Footnote 23 pharmaceutical companies initially pursued these antagonists.
41
What paradox exists regarding TRPV1 activation?
TRPV1 activation can also produce analgesia ## Footnote Capsaicin creams utilize this mechanism for pain relief.
42
What is the current understanding of mechanical pain transduction?
It remains poorly understood, with multiple candidates proposed like Piezo proteins ## Footnote As of 2025, the specific mechanical pain transducer is still unknown.
43
What are the steps of action potential generation in pain pathways?
1. Neuronal membrane maintained at resting potential 2. Depolarization triggers action potential 3. Sodium channels open, sodium rushes in 4. Potassium channels open, potassium exits 5. Overshoot then returns to resting potential ## Footnote Potential drug targets include sodium channels and sodium-potassium pumps.
44
What is the mechanism that triggers an action potential?
Depolarization triggers action potential by opening sodium channels, allowing sodium to rush in
45
What happens during repolarization in action potential generation?
Potassium channels open, potassium exits, overshoots then returns to resting potential
46
What are potential drug targets in the action potential pathway?
* Sodium channels * Potassium channels * Sodium-potassium pumps
47
What percentage of food energy is consumed to maintain sodium-potassium pumps?
Approximately 1/6 of all food energy consumed
48
How do local anesthetics like lidocaine work?
They block sodium channels to prevent action potentials
49
What are the methods of administration for local anesthetics?
* Topical application * Local injection * Nerve blocks * Epidural injection
50
Can local anesthetics be used systemically?
No, because they would block all sodium channel subtypes affecting cardiac sodium channels
51
How many voltage-gated sodium channels exist?
Nine voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1.1 - NaV1.9)
52
Which sodium channels are primarily found in the CNS?
* NaV1.1 * NaV1.2 * NaV1.3 * NaV1.6
53
Which sodium channels are primarily found in the PNS?
* NaV1.1 * NaV1.2 * NaV1.3 * NaV1.6 * NaV1.7 * NaV1.8 * NaV1.9
54
What is the significance of NaV1.7 in genetic pain disorders?
Linked to pain disorders such as HSAN Type 5, Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder, and Primary Erythromelalgia
55
What mutation is associated with HSAN Type 5?
Loss-of-function mutation leading to complete pain insensitivity
56
What is the primary symptom of Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder?
Severe pain in rectum and back of thighs, primarily affecting babies
57
What is the gain-of-function mutation associated with Primary Erythromelalgia?
Causes pain and redness in hands and feet
58
What paradox exists regarding NaV1.7 disorders?
The gene is expressed everywhere, yet pain symptoms appear variably
59
What is the current status of NaV1.7 as a drug target?
Generated intense pharmaceutical interest but clinical trials have shown mixed results
60
What recent success did Vertex achieve regarding NaV1.8?
FDA approval for NaV1.8 blocker for acute pain
61
What is a significant issue with off-label prescribing?
Doctors can prescribe approved drugs for unapproved conditions
62
What happens to gene expression in dorsal root ganglia after nerve damage?
Specific genes increase/decrease expression
63
What is the ceiling effect of NSAIDs?
NSAIDs have a maximum effective dose; higher doses provide no additional benefit
64
What dual effects does aspirin have based on dosage?
* Low dose (81mg): Cardiovascular protection * High dose (400mg+): Analgesic effect but potential cardiovascular risk
65
What distinguishes TRPV1 desensitization from counterirritation?
TRPV1 desensitization is a property of the channel; counterirritation involves spinal cord circuitry

PSYC 302 (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions