Drug Mechanisms in Psychopharmacology
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Questions and Answers

Reversible binding of a neurotransmitter (NT) to a receptor is permanent.

False (B)

Irreversible binding of a NT to a receptor results in a ______ bond with the receptor.

permanent

Which of the following is an example of an irreversible binding agent mentioned in the text?

  • Acetylcholine
  • Naloxone (correct)
  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin

    • What is the main way to regain receptor function after irreversible binding?

    <p>Replacing the receptor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism for terminating the response to neurotransmitters?

    <p>Irreversible binding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following NT termination mechanisms with their descriptions:

    <p>Enzymatic breakdown = Enzymes break down the NT in the synaptic cleft. Reuptake = NT is transported back to the presynaptic neuron. Diffusion = NT diffuses away from the synaptic cleft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of ______ removes NT from the synaptic cleft and transports it back to the presynaptic neuron for reuse.

    <p>reuptake</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain how enzymatic breakdown contributes to the termination of a neurotransmitter's response.

    <p>Enzymes break down the neurotransmitter into inactive byproducts, removing it from the synaptic cleft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a full agonist?

    <p>May not trigger an AP. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A partial agonist can activate all the receptors but may not trigger a full action potential.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of an inverse agonist on the receptor?

    <p>Inverse agonists decrease receptor activity below the levels of a baseline state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A competitive antagonist binds to the same site as the neurotransmitter, preventing the neurotransmitter from ______.

    <p>binding and activating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their respective actions or characteristics:

    <p>Full agonist = Triggers the maximum response of the normal action potential. Partial agonist = Activates a fraction of receptors and may not trigger a full action potential. Inverse agonist = Decreases receptor activity below the levels of a baseline state. Competitive antagonist = Binds to the same site as the neurotransmitter, preventing its activation. Non-competitive antagonist = Binds to an allosteric site, changing the receptor's shape and preventing the neurotransmitter from binding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A receptor antagonist can directly activate receptors.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between competitive and non-competitive antagonists?

    <p>Competitive antagonists compete with neurotransmitters for the same binding site, while non-competitive antagonists bind to different sites on the receptor, changing its shape and preventing neurotransmitter binding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a competitive antagonist?

    <p>Naloxone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of reuptake inhibitors?

    <p>They prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by neurons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Reuptake inhibitors act as agonists for membrane transporters.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the increased concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft have on neuron activity?

    <p>Increased concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft leads to enhanced signaling and neuronal activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    SSRIs primarily inhibit the reuptake of ______ neurotransmitter.

    <p>serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

    <p>Physical dependence = A physiological need for the drug to function normally. Psychological dependence = A strong craving or emotional need for the drug. Tolerance = The need for progressively higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes how tolerance develops?

    <p>Tolerance arises when the body adapts to the drug's presence and requires more to achieve the same effect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Psychological dependence is directly linked to physical changes in bodily functions.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two primary reasons why people develop psychological dependence on drugs?

    <p>People develop psychological dependence on drugs to relieve emotional distress or to cope with psychological challenges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person abruptly ceases ______ of a drug they are dependent on.

    <p>use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tolerance is linked to psychological dependence because it requires the person to increase their drug dosage to achieve the same effect, which then further increases their psychological need for the drug.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following drugs is considered the most harmful, according to the content?

    <p>Alcohol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway is primarily involved in regulating fear and anxiety responses.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name two examples of drugs that can act as agonists of neurotransmitters.

    <p>Examples of drugs that act as agonists include opioids (like heroin) and stimulants (like cocaine).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ is a barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

    <p>blood-brain barrier (BBB)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following routes of administration with the corresponding example drugs:

    <p>Intravenous = Heroin Intranasal = Cocaine Lungs = Nicotine Intestines = Alcohol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of physical dependence on a drug?

    <p>Compulsive use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The vast majority of recreational drug users develop severe drug addiction.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the rewarding effects of drugs?

    <p>Dopamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The addition of a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior is known as ______ reinforcement.

    <p>positive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a natural reinforcer?

    <p>Alcohol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Caffeine's mechanism of action is to act as a(n):

    <p>Adenosine receptor antagonist (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cocaine directly stimulates the release of dopamine.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main way that methamphetamine differs from cocaine in terms of its effects on dopamine?

    <p>Methamphetamine is a highly potent dopamine releaser, while cocaine primarily inhibits dopamine reuptake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cocaine's ability to block sodium channels contributes to its effect as a ______.

    <p>local anesthetic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following drugs with their respective mechanisms of action:

    <p>Caffeine = Antagonizes adenosine receptors Nicotine = Agonizes nicotinic receptors Cocaine = Inhibits dopamine reuptake Methamphetamine = Releases dopamine from presynaptic terminals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential health risk associated with excessive alcohol consumption?

    <p>Increased risk of certain types of cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Give one example of an opiate mentioned in the text.

    <p>Heroin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inhalants are a type of drug that is often abused by ______.

    <p>adolescents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism mentioned in the text for terminating the effects of a neurotransmitter?

    <p>Synaptic vesicle fusion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of opioid receptors?

    <p>They are primarily involved in regulating sleep cycles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Morphine was isolated in 1898.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the Greek god of dreams that Morphine is named after?

    <p>Morpheus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Heroin is synthesized from morphine through a process called ______.

    <p>diacetylation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their respective descriptions:

    <p>Opiates = Medicines derived from opium, like morphine. Opioids = A broader category of drugs including synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids. Analgesics = Pain-relieving medications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of self-administration of cocaine in primates?

    <p>The pattern of self-administration is consistent, with no periods of abstinence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flupentixol has a significant impact on heroin self-administration.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the pattern of morphine/heroin intake in monkeys or humans with unlimited access to these drugs.

    <p>Individuals with unlimited access to morphine or heroin initially show a slow increase in daily intake, but this trend can be interrupted by periods of abstinence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Full Agonist

    A substance that triggers the maximum response from a receptor (100% activation).

    Partial Agonist

    A substance that activates a receptor but not to full capacity (between 0-100% activation).

    Inverse Agonist

    A substance that binds to a receptor and produces a response opposite to that of an agonist (negative effect).

    Receptor Antagonist

    A substance that inhibits receptor activation by blocking the binding of neurotransmitters.

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    Competitive Antagonist

    A substance that resembles a neurotransmitter but cannot activate the receptor, blocking its function.

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    Non-competitive Antagonist

    A substance that binds to a different site on the receptor, preventing activation even if the neurotransmitter binds.

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    Hyperpolarization

    A process that makes the inside of the neuron more negative, inhibiting action potentials.

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    Synaptic Cleft

    The space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released and receptors are activated.

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    CBD

    Cannabidiol; a compound found in cannabis that interacts with receptors.

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    Reversible Binding

    A temporary attachment to receptors that can allow NTs to bind and then dissociate.

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    Irreversible Binding

    A permanent bond with receptors that can deactivate them.

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    Receptor Function Recovery

    The ability to regain receptor function only by replacing the receptor.

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    Enzymatic Breakdown

    Process where enzymes deconstruct neurotransmitters (NTs) after their function.

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    Reuptake

    The process where neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron for reuse.

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    Transporters

    Special proteins that help move neurotransmitters back to the presynaptic neuron.

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    Reuptake Inhibitors

    Compounds that block transporters allowing neurotransmitters to be reused.

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    Neurotransmitter (NT) Clearance

    The process of removing neurotransmitters from the synapse.

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    Increased NT Concentration

    Higher levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft due to slower clearance.

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    SSRIs

    Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors that treat depression.

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    Physical Dependence

    Changes in normal bodily functions due to repeated drug use.

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    Withdrawal Symptoms

    Unpleasant physical effects when stopping drug use.

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    Psychological Dependence

    A strong emotional need for a drug to relieve stress or distress.

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    Tolerance

    The need for increasingly larger doses of a drug to achieve the same effect.

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    Antagonists

    Substances that block or inhibit the action of neurotransmitters.

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    Caffeine

    A stimulant that acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist.

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    Nicotine

    An agonist of cholinergic nicotinic receptors found in tobacco.

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    Cocaine

    A monoamine reuptake inhibitor that increases dopamine signaling.

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    Methamphetamine

    A highly neurotoxic dopamine releaser that increases cellular dopamine levels.

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    Dopamine Releaser

    Substance that promotes the release of dopamine in the brain.

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    Depressants

    Substances that reduce the activity of the nervous system.

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    Alcohol

    A depressant with health benefits linked to light use, but high cancer risks.

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    Benzodiazepines

    Common sedatives acting as GABA agonists to induce relaxation.

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    Opiates

    Pain-relieving drugs that elevate mood, including morphine and heroin.

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    Inhalants

    Substances inhaled for psychoactive effects, often harmful.

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    Morphine

    A potent opioid pain medication isolated from opium in 1806.

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    Heroin

    A synthetic opioid formed through the diacetylation of morphine, created in 1898.

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    Opioid analgesics

    Medications that effectively relieve pain, derived from opioids.

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    Opioid receptors

    Receptors in the brain that mediate the effects of opioids, especially pain relief.

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    Self-administration

    The process by which animals engage in consuming drugs like heroin or morphine.

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    Dysphoria

    A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction often triggered by drug use.

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    Flupentixol

    A dopamine receptor blocker that affects drug self-administration behavior.

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    Drug Addiction

    Compulsive use of drugs despite negative consequences.

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    Dopamine

    A neurotransmitter linked to reward and pleasure.

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    Agonists

    Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters' effects.

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    Positive Reinforcement

    Addition of a desirable stimulus increases behavior.

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    Negative Reinforcement

    Removing an undesirable stimulus increases behavior.

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    Blood-Brain Barrier

    Special cells that protect the brain from harmful substances.

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    Psychoactive Drugs

    Substances that alter conscious experience.

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    Study Notes

    Drug Mechanisms

    • Psychotropic drugs affect mental states by influencing neurotransmitter signaling.
    • Action potentials trigger neurotransmitter release at axon terminals.
    • Neurotransmitters interact with receptors on postsynaptic neurons.
    • Excitatory neurotransmitters cause depolarization, while inhibitory neurotransmitters cause hyperpolarization.
    • Receptor agonists activate receptors mimicking neurotransmitters.
    • Receptor antagonists block receptors, inhibiting neurotransmitter action.
    • Partial agonists partially activate receptors.
    • Inverse agonists produce the opposite effect of neurotransmitters.
    • Full agonists produce a full response.
    • Receptor binding is influenced by structure mirroring neurotransmitter structure.
    • Full agonists produce maximal receptor activation similar to normal neurotransmitter signaling.
    • Partial agonists produce intermediate receptor activation levels between 0-100%.
    • Inverse agonists produce the opposite response to normal neurotransmission, causing hyperpolarization.
    • Competitive antagonists have similar structures to the neurotransmitters and compete for the same binding sites on the receptors.
    • Non-competitive antagonists bind to allosteric sites, changing the receptor's shape and reducing the ability of neurotransmitters to bind.

    Terminating Neurotransmitter Response

    • Enzymatic breakdown: enzymes break down neurotransmitters.
    • Reuptake: neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron to be reused.
    • Reuptake inhibitors: block reuptake of neurotransmitters, prolonging their action.

    Drug Categories

    • Stimulants: increase neural activity (e.g., caffeine, amphetamines).
    • Sedatives/hypnotics: decrease neural activity (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines).
    • Opiates: produce pain relief and euphoria (e.g., opium, heroin, morphine).
    • Hallucinogens: alter sensory perceptions (e.g., marijuana, LSD).
    • Depressants: reduce central nervous system activity (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines).

    Drug Administration and Effects

    • Drugs affect the brain by reaching target neuronal sites across various routes.
    • Routes of intake include lungs, intestines, intravenous, intranasal administration.
    • Psychoactive drugs primarily act within the brain.

    Reward and Reinforcement

    • Reinforcement strengthens behaviors associated with rewards.
    • Positive reinforcement involves adding desirable stimuli to increase behavior.
    • Negative reinforcement involves removing undesirable stimuli to increase behavior.
    • Natural reinforcers have survival value (e.g., food, water, sex).
    • Other reinforcers, such as drugs, lack intrinsic survival value.
    • Addiction is seen as a learning disorder in which brain processes supporting reward-based learning are hijacked by drugs.

    Sites of Drug Action

    • Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter linked to the rewarding effects of many drugs of abuse.
    • Drugs often impact the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, affecting reward and motivation.

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    Description

    Explore the complex interactions of psychotropic drugs and their effects on neurotransmitter signaling in the brain. This quiz covers essential concepts such as receptor agonists, antagonists, and the various types of neurotransmitters and their actions. Test your understanding of how these mechanisms influence mental states and behaviors.

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