Neurotransmitter Flashcards
Dopamine problems and substance that affect it
Problems: Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease
Substances: Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methylphenidate, Alcohol
Dopamine function
Produces sensations of pleasure and reward Used by CNS neurons involved in voluntary movement
Serotonin function
Regulates sleep and dreaming, mood, pain, aggression, appetite, and sexual behavior
Serotonin imbalance problems and substances effecting it
Problems: Depression, certain anxiety disorders, Obsessive-complex disorder
Substances: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Hallucinogenics (LSD)
Norepinephrine function
Used by neurons in autonomic nervous system and by neurons in almost every region of the brain
Norepinephrine imbalance problem and substances effecting it
Problems: high blood pressure, depression
Substances: tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blocks
Acetylcholine function
The primary neurotransmitter used by efferent neurons carrying messages from the CNS also involved in some kinds of learning and memory
Acetylcholine imbalance problems and substances affecting it
Problems: certain muscle disorders, Alzheimer’s disorder
Substances: Nicotine, Black widow spider venom, botulism toxin, Curare, Atropine
GABA function
The most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in neurons of the CNS
GABA imbalance problems and substance that can affect it
Problems: Anxiety, epilepsy
Substance: Barbiturates, “Minor” tranquilizers, alcohol
Glutamate function
The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS involved in learning and memory
Glutamate imbalance problems and substances that affect it
Problems: release of excessive glutamate apparently causes brain damage after stroke
Substance: PCP(“angel dust)
Endorphins function
Pleasurable sensation and control of pain
Endorphins imbalance problems and substances that can affect it
Problem: lowered level resulting from opiate addiction
Substance: opiates
