neurotransmitters Flashcards
What structures do CNS drugs act on?
Brain and spinal cord.
What are the main uses of CNS drugs?
Pain relief, seizure suppression, anesthesia, treatment of psychiatric disorders.
How can CNS drugs be used nonmedically?
As stimulants, depressants, euphoriants, or for other mind-altering effects.
What is the role of neurotransmitters in the CNS?
They allow neurons in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other.
What is the function of Acetylcholine (ACh) in the CNS?
Supports cognitive function (learning, memory, muscle movement).
Which disorders are associated with Acetylcholine?
Myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer’s disease (loss of ACh), Parkinson’s disease (increased ACh due to dopamine loss).
What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?
Glutamate.
What functions does Glutamate regulate?
Memory, learning, and development of nerve connections.
Which neurotransmitter is also known as adrenaline?
Epinephrine.
What is the role of Epinephrine in the body?
Involved in the fight-or-flight response, increases blood sugar, heart rate, contractility, and improves breathing.
Which neurotransmitter is the main neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)?
Norepinephrine.
What are the functions of Norepinephrine?
Regulates arousal, attention, cognitive function, stress response, mood, memory, sleep-wake cycles, and pain regulation.
How does Norepinephrine affect the body?
Increases blood sugar, heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.
Which drug classes act on Norepinephrine?
Antidepressants and CNS stimulants.
What is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS?
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid).
What is the function of GABA?
Reduces excitability and improves sleep.
Which disorders are associated with GABA dysfunction?
Anxiety disorders (too little GABA), Huntington’s Chorea (loss of neurons using GABA).
What is the function of Dopamine in the CNS?
Memory, motor control, brain activity support, pleasure/reward system.
Which disorders are associated with Dopamine imbalances?
Schizophrenia (excess dopamine → hallucinations, paranoia), Parkinson’s disease (dopamine loss → tremors, loss of motor control).
What is the function of Serotonin in the CNS?
Regulates mood, happiness, anxiety, sleep, appetite, and memory.
Which drug classes act on Serotonin?
Antidepressants and CNS stimulants.
What is the function of Endorphins?
Inhibit pain signals and trigger a sense of well-being.
What is the role of Histamine in the CNS?
Regulates alertness, cardiac stimulation, allergic responses, and gastric secretions.
Which drugs act on Histamine?
Antihistamines (for allergies), Pepcid (for gastric secretion suppression).
What are Neuropeptides?
Neuromodulators that enhance, prolong, inhibit, or limit the effects of neurotransmitters.
