Psychopharmacology- Week Four Flashcards
What is the blood brain barrier?
Because blood vessels in the brain are different to those elsewhere, they contain a BBB
This are tight junctions between epithelial cells to prevent the free passage of solutes
What can pass through the B.B.B?
Only drugs which are lipid-soluble can pass through easily
Antibiotics are too big- making brain infections highly dangerous
What are neurotransmitters and and how do drug affect them?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messages in the brain
Drugs interfere with different N.T giving a range of affects on the body and brain
Where are N.T found?
They are released during S.T and mopped up after, they are present in the synaptic cleft
What are the 2 main roles of N.T? Why are both needed?
Inhibitory & excitatory, to keep the required balance in the brain
What are the 2 main types of N.T? Describe each one
Acetylcholine: found at neuromuscular junctions (movement)
Monoamines: from a single amino acid, present mostly in the brainstem
Include dopamine, serotonin, (nor)adrenaline
Where does Acetylcholine affect the brain?
The hippocampus: memory function
Dorsolateral pons: REM sleep
Where does Noradrenaline affect the brain?
Doesn’t have a specific site, projects across the whole brain. Involved in conscious functions
Main effect is increased vigilance and attentiveness to environement
Where does Dopamine affect the brain?
Affects the basal ganglia; can lead to Parkinsons
Also disrupt dopamine receptors leading to schizophrenia, abnormal cognition and emotion
Where does Serotonin affect the brain?
Acts all over the brain, especially the limbic system
Abnormal levels can lead to depression
What are other neurotransmitters?
Amino acid neurotransmitters: found in fast acting synaoses, included GABA
Neuropeptides: involved in pain and pleasure, feel good chemicals
Soluble Gases: recently described
What are agonists?
Increase activity
What are antagonists?
Decreased activity
What are direct drugs?
Bind to the NT binding site
What are indirect drugs?
Bind elsewhere than the binding site
