Drug Actions at Synapses and Related Agents

Flashcards covering the key terms and concepts related to drug actions at synapses and associated pharmacological agents.

Agonist

A substance that increases the effectiveness of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that decreases the effectiveness of a neurotransmitter.

Synaptic Transmission

The process during which drugs can alter chemical processes at stages including synthesis, storage, release, receptor interaction, reuptake, and degradation.

Choline-rich diet

Increases acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the body.

Black widow spider venom

Promotes the release of neurotransmitters, acting as an agonist.

Botulin toxin

Blocks the release of acetylcholine, acting as an antagonist.

Benzodiazepines

A minor tranquilizer that serves as an antianxiety agent, such as Valium.

GABAA Receptor

A receptor that when activated by GABA, produces an influx of chloride ions, which hyperpolarizes the neuron.

Sedative-Hypnotic Site

A binding site on the GABAA receptor that alcohol and barbiturates influence to increase chloride conductance.

Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia

The proposal that symptoms of schizophrenia are due to excess activity of dopamine.

D2 dopamine receptor

A receptor that is blocked by major tranquilizers (neuroleptics) to treat schizophrenia.

Dyskinesia

Impaired control of movement, a negative side effect of antipsychotic agents.

Amphetamine

An agonist that promotes the release of dopamine and blocks its reuptake.

Chlorpromazine

An antagonist that occupies the dopamine site on the D2 receptor, preventing receptor activation.