Biopsych Final PT 1(Synapse)

L-Dopa

 Precursor to dopamine; boosts N.T. production.

• Acts a replacement for the dopamine essentially 

MAO-I

 Inhibits monoamine oxidase (enzyme); prevents N.T. breakdown.

• Antidepressant medication which helps improve mood 

• Destroys enzymes that break up NT so it increases the availability of the NT 

Methamphetamine

Forces N.T. out of vesicles into the synaptic cleft, increasing concentration.

• Neurotoxin that reduces dopamine transmitters

• the higher the dose, the more dopamine is forced into the synapse

• Related with the limbic system

• Intense role in addiction and the chase for it 

Cocaine

 Blocks reuptake; keeps more N.T. in the synaptic cleft longer.

• Initiates a high 

• reuptake inhibitor

Heroin

 Mimics natural N.T. and binds directly to receptors, activating them.

• Modified form of opium that was meant to substitute morphine & not be addictive 

• Role in the opioid crisis 

• direct action on a receptor

Naloxone

 Blocks opioid receptors; prevents N.T. or drugs like heroin from binding.

• Helps with opioid OD

Alcohol

Binds to a receptor subunit, altering receptor responsiveness

• Interacts with GABA

• The only one that is an agonist(the rest are antagonists)

Enzymatic Breakdown*

The process in which catalyst proteins break down molecules

Neurotransmitters*

 Dopamine and norepinephrine for example 

• Chemical messengers that function for the nervous system 

• Roles in addiction 

Receptor*

Protein on the postsynaptic neuron that receives the neurotransmitters 

Reuptake*

Reduces neurotransmitters back to the presynaptic neuron 

Enzymes^

Proteins that speed up/act as catalysts for reactions

Presynaptic Neuron

Neuron that sends the signal across the synapse; neurotransmitters are stored in the vesicles of this neuron

Reuptake Transporter

returns leftover neurotransmitters; recycling

Synaptic Cleft

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters travel

Post Synaptic Neuron

The nerve cell that receives the signal from the presynaptic neuron