Quiz 2 Flashcards
What is a CNS depressant?
Reduces CNS response to outside signals - whether generated internally or externally to the body
Depressants are also known as:
Sedatives, anaesthetics, tranquilizers, relaxants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, anticonvulsants
How do we measure blood alcohol levels in the body?
BAC: mg of alcohol/100ml of blood
BAC of 80mg/ml = 0.08%
Why do people tend to eat less while drinking?
Alcohol is a food - releases energy
How long does it take to metabolize a single drink?
About an hour
T/F: absorption is slower on an empty stomach
False
Where does first pass metabolism occur when alcohol is administered the most common way?
Stomach
T/F: Males metabolize alcohol faster
True
Which chemical facilitates the passage of alcohol through the stomach?
Increased CO2
Alcohol distribution depends on:
Body size & composition (fat levels as alcohol is distributed in body water)
How much alcohol is metabolized in the liver?
85-90%
How much alcohol is metabolized in extra-hepatic sites (i.e., the stomach)
10-15%
How much alcohol is excreted unchanged?
5% through anywhere with glands (sweat, lungs)
What is the metabolic pathway for alcohol?
Broken down by alcohol dehydrogenase -> forms acetaldehyde -> broken down by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase -> forms acetic acid -> broken down with oxidation reaction -> produces CO2 + H2O + energy
What are 3 non-specific effects of alcohol
- Disturbs the relationship of protein in membrane
- Interacts with polar heads of phospholipids
- Alters lipid composition
What are 4 specific effects of alcohol?
- Acts as NT binding site
- Modifies gating system inside channel
- Stimulates Gs which are linked to adenylyl cyclase
- Direct interaction with channel protein
What receptor is affected by both alcohol and glutamate
NMDA (they block Ca2+ & Na+ from entering cell)
What is the chronic effect of alcohol on the NMDA receptor?
Upregulation (pharmacodynamic tolerance)
In a chronic drinker, the glutamate:
Moves to be able to function with alcohol in the system
Alcohol _______ GABA(a) receptor transmission
Enhances
What is the effect of alcohol on Cl- in chronic and acute use?
Decrease in conductance; influx of Cl-
How is DA affected by alcohol?
Indirectly. When GABA neuron in VTA releasing inhibitory substance, more GABA is released, exciting DA neurons
How does alcohol affect serotonin & acetylcholine
- Increased depolarization
- Increased hyperexcitability
- When withdrawn, behaviour may seem like mania or psychosis
What are 3 things barbituates are used for?
- Treatment of anxiety and insomnia
- Anticonvulsant
- Surgical anesthesia