S1 Wk 11 - Neural Communication and Drug Action Flashcards
how many neurons in the brain
86 billion
in resting potential what is inside and outside cell
high Sodium on outside
high Potassium on the inside
what happens during action potential 2 + 3 points
sodium channels open, it enters cell
potassium channels open, it leaves cell
- membrane becomes depolarised
- action potential repolarisation
- refractory period
what does excitatory postsynaptic potential EPSP do
increases likelihood of an action potential
what does an inhibitory postsynaptic potential IPSP do
decrease likelihood of an AP
what is glutamate
major excitatiory neurotransmitter
what is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
major inhibitory neurotransmitter
cholinergic pathways in the brain: 3
- linked with arousal attention and memory
- increase sensory perception on waking
- damage = memory deficits, AD
Dopaminergic pathways in the brain
Linked with reward motivated behaviour
involved in motor control
role in addiction, PD and ADHD
Norepinephrine (NE) pathways in the brain
Mobilises brain and body for action
regulate arousal and alertness
linked with memory and attention
Serotonin pathways in the brain
Predominantly linked with mood
links with cognition and health outcomes
what do agonist drugs do
binds to receptor
enhances cellular activity
what does an antagonist drugs do
binds to receptor and stops neurotransmitter binding with receptor
2 examples of agonist drugs
nicotine
opioids
2 examples of antagonist drugs
botulinum toxin (botox)
caffeine
what does an indirect agonist do
enhances action or release of neurotransmitter(s), but has no individual effect on receptors
example of indirect agonist drug
alcohol
what does MDMA target
specific neurons
effects of MDMA on cognition
increased brain activity
equivalent cognitive task performance - brain working harder
cognitive deficits with MDMA use
memory deficits
deficits in reasoning and planning
more impulsive
can MDMA be beneficial
potential as treatment for PTSD
evidence it can enhance positive emotional bias
