Mechanism of Tolerance and Drug Action

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to tolerance, addiction, and drug action mechanisms discussed in the lecture notes.

Tolerance

The phenomenon where higher doses of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect due to repeated use.

Reward System

A brain system that activates pleasure in response to stimuli like food, sex, and money.

Dopamine Receptors

Receptors in the brain that, when activated, lead to feelings of pleasure and reward.

Excitotoxicity

Damage and death of neurons caused by overstimulation from excessive excitation.

Positive Reinforcement

A process that increases the likelihood of a behavior by providing a rewarding stimulus.

Negative Reinforcement

A process that increases the likelihood of a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Withdrawal

A state that occurs when the last dose of a drug wears off, characterized by effects opposite to those of the drug.

Sensitization

A phenomenon where repeated exposure to a drug leads to an increased response to that drug.

Agonists

Drugs that increase the activity of a synapse by enhancing neurotransmitter effects.

Antagonists

Drugs that decrease synaptic activity by blocking or inhibiting receptor function.

Neurotransmitter Production

The process of creating neurotransmitters from precursor chemicals through enzymatic conversion.

Synaptic Vesicles

Structures that package neurotransmitters for release into the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission.

Reuptake

The process of reabsorbing neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron after they have activated the postsynaptic receptors.

Enzymatic Deactivation

The breakdown of neurotransmitters by enzymes, rendering them inactive.

Autoreceptors

Receptors located on the presynaptic membrane that monitor neurotransmitter levels and signal when to stop release.