Lecture 10: Neurotransmission & Drugs

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to neurotransmission and drug interactions as described in Lecture 10.

Glutamate

Most common neurotransmitter in the nervous system, found throughout the brain; induces excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs).

GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid)

The most common inhibitory neurotransmitter; induces inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) and causes hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter that usually causes EPSPs; involved in sensation, action, learning in the brain and motor functions in the peripheral nervous system.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter associated with movement, reward-seeking, and motivation; produced in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter sometimes known as 'happiness NT'; involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite; mixed EPSPs and IPSPs.

Opioids

Includes endorphins and enkephalins; involved in pain reduction, reward, and euphoria; mixed EPSPs and IPSPs.

Agonists

Molecules that turn ON neurotransmitter systems by facilitating neurotransmitter release or receptor activation.

Antagonists

Molecules that turn OFF neurotransmitter systems by preventing release or blocking receptors.

Inverse Agonists

Molecules that bind to receptors and induce an effect opposite to that of the neurotransmitter.

L-Dopa

A drug used to treat Parkinson's disease; acts as a dopamine precursor to increase dopamine levels.

Cocaine

Presynaptic agonist that inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, increasing concentration and energy.

Amphetamine

Presynaptic agonist that blocks and reverses the dopamine transporter; used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressant drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin, enhancing its effect.

Synthetic opioids

Overly potent opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil; can cause severe respiratory failure.

Benzodiazepines

Drugs like Xanax and Valium that bind to GABA receptors to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Antipsychotics

Drugs that block D2 dopamine receptors, mainly used to treat schizophrenia.

Atypical antipsychotics

Drugs that also block serotonin receptors while affecting dopamine receptors.

Receptor down-regulation

A process leading to tolerance due to homeostatic regulation and receptor degradation.

Neural Sensitization

A condition resulting in hyper-responsiveness to a drug, leading to addiction.

Neurotoxicity

The detrimental effects of certain drugs, like amphetamine, which can kill dopamine neurons.