Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Drugs at the Synapse
- Antagonist-
blocks a
neurotransmitter
- Agonist-
mimics or
increases a
neurotransmitter
- Drug Affinity-
ability to bind to
receptor
- Drug Efficacy-
activate the
receptor once
bound. Can bind
but then not activate
(antagonist)
- Stimulant drugs
- Both
amphetamine
and cocaine
block reuptake
of dopamine,
increasing the
amount in the
presynaptic
terminal
- excitement,
alertness,
elevated
mood,
decreased
fatigue
- Nicotine
- Stimulates
nictotinic type
acetylcholine
receptors, which
increases
dopamine release
in nucleus
accumbens.
- mostly
stimulant
effects
- Opiates
- Act on
receptors in the
brain and mimic
the effects of
endorphins. This
inhibits GABA
which would
otherwise inhibit
dopamine,
leading to an
increase.
- relaxation,
withdrawal,
decreased
pain
- Marijuana
- Two brain
chemicals bind to
canabinoid
receptors called
anadamide and
sn-2
arachidomylglyrecol
(2-AG). This inhibits
further release of
either glutamate or
GABA
- altered sensory
expenses,
decreased pain
and nausea,
increased
appetite
- Hallucinogenic
- Attach to
serotonin type
2A (5-HT2a) and
provide
stimulation.
- distorted
sensations
- Alcohol
- Blocks glutamate
and facilitates
GABA-A
receptors. Can
also release
dopamine.
- moderate
amounts relax
and decrease
anxiety, large
amounts
impair
judgement