Recreational and illegal drugs

Question 1

What melecular effect does Cannabis have on the body?

Answer 1

THCA is converted into THC when heated, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 G protein coupled receptors.
CB1 are found throughout the nervous system and CB2 are found on immune cells.
THC acts as a partial agonist, initiates a partial response.
On CB1 receptors the binding leads to to the release of neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

Question 2

How do amphematimes work?

Answer 2

Amphetamines are a stimulant.

• Binds to transporter proteins for monoamines, so it gets taken up into the neurone by transporter proteins and disrupts the storage of monoamines in the synaptic vesicles.
• It inhibits VMAT2 which transports monoamines into vesicles causses the release of more monoamines into the snaptic cleft like dopamine or epinepherine.
• It competes for the reuptake basically inhibiting uptake. It also inhibits monoamine oxidase which metabolises monoamines.

Question 3

What are the 7 major neurotransmitters called and where would you find them?

Answer 3

1. Glutimate: Main excitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Neuroplasticity relies on glutiate to build pathways between neurones.
2. GABA: Main inhibitaory neurotranmistter in the central nervous system, it reduces activity helps you relax and fall asleep.
3. Dopamine: Major role in brain reward system. Helps pancreas release insulin after you eat. Coordinated your body and brain for voluntary movement.
4. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Neurotransmitter responsible for fight or flight mode. Produced by arenal glands above the kideny. Central nervous system.
5. Seratonin: Shifts your focus to the gut, works a lot in the small intestine. Triggers sick feeling when engested toxic food. Lower mood when concnetration is in small amounts
6. Oxytocin: Made in the hypothalamus released via pituitary gland. Urges uterus to contract when deliverig a baby.