Lecture 8: Neuropharmacology and diseases

what is targeted in myasthenia graves, an autoimmune disorder?

the post synaptic acetylcholine receptors in the nuero-muscular junctions are attacked by the immune system, doesn't allow muscles to contract and the body gets weaker, stops breathing

what is impaired in Parkinson's?

loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, part of the basal ganglia which is responsible for movement

add precursor to dopamine, L-Dopa is effective but tolerance is quickly built

what are they symptoms of parkinson's?

tremors, poor voluntary movement, can't move

what area is targeted in Huntington's (autosomal dominant disease)?

caudate and putamen of the striatum, part of the basal ganglia

medium spiny neurons die, causing GABA inhibition to lose receptors, loss of inhibition, incontrollable movement

what are the symptoms of Huntingtons?

chorea, spams, develops in mid 50s, cognitive impairment and early death

how do endorphins function?

a peptide hormone that acts as a pain reliever, like analgesics

What are 5HT receptors?

serotonin receptors

what is the mechanism of action of analgesics or narcotics?

agonist at opiote receptors

like opium, endorphins, heroine, morphine, and codeine

what is the mechanism of action for stimulants?

increase release or inhibit reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

what is the mechanism of action for depressants?

agonist at GABA receptors, increase inhibition

what is the mechanism of action for hallucinogens/ psychedelics?

agonists at 5HT IIa, most excitatory

some work on the 5HT and DA receptors

how does prozac, an SSRI, work?

blocks serotonin reuptkae transporters and amplify serotonin system

what can remedy the symptoms of Parkinson's?

add precursor to dopamine, L-Dopa is effective but tolerance is quickly built

what are stimulants?

drugs that increase the functioning of the nervous system, like meth, caffeine, etc

they mimic the effects of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine