Neuropharmacology Flashcards
1
Q
What is the blood brain barrier (BBB)? (1)
A
- Allow the blood vessels that vascularise the CNS to tightly regulate the movement of ions, molecules, and cells between the blood and the brain
2
Q
Components of BBB (6)
A
- Endothelial cells
- Tight junctions
- Astrocytes
- Pericytes
- Neurons
- Microglia
3
Q
Endothelial cells in BBB (1)
A
- Help regulate the flow of substances into and out of the brain
4
Q
Tight junctions in BBB (2)
A
- between the endothelial cells
- serve to restrict blood-borne substances from entering the brain
5
Q
Astrocytes in BBB (1)
A
- Essential for the formation and maintenance of the BBB by providing secreted factors that lead to the adequate association between the cells of the BBB and the formation of strong tight junctions
6
Q
Pericytes in BBB (4)
A
- They are important for blood vessel formation
- Maintenance of the blood–brain barrier
- Regulation of immune cell entry to the central nervous system (CNS)
- Control of brain blood flow
7
Q
Neurons in BBB (4)
A
- Regulating blood flow
- Microvascular permeability
- Interact with the extracellular matrix
- Release factors to stimulate angiogenesis
8
Q
Microglia in BBB (3)
A
- Considered the long-living resident immune cells of the brain, play a vital role in BBB function.
- M1 microglia worsen BBB disruption, while M2 microglia assist in repairing BBB damage.
- Microglia can also directly interact with endothelial cells and affect BBB permeability
9
Q
What compounds can cross the BBB? (2)
A
- It is now believed that proteins such as insulin, transferrin, insulin-like growth factors and vasopressin cross the blood—brain barrier by a process called receptor-mediated transcytosis
- Polycationic proteins and lectins cross the blood—brain barrier by a similar but nonspecific process called absorptive-mediated transcytosis
10
Q
What is an agonist? (1)
A
- Chemical that binds to a receptor and activates a response
11
Q
What is an antagonist? (1)
A
- Chemical that binds to a receptor to block the activity of the agonist
12
Q
What is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor? (3)
A
- Prevents removal of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine from the brain
- This makes more of these chemicals available to effect changes in both cells and circuits impacted by depression
- They were the first type of antidepressant developed, but generally been replaced by antidepressants that are safer and have fewer side effects
13
Q
What side effects can monoamine oxidase inhibitors cause? (2)
A
- Can cause side effects by affecting other neurotransmitters in the brain and digestive system
- Common side effects: dry mouth, nausea, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness or light-headedness
