Neuropharmacology Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation?

  • Adrenaline
  • Noradrenaline
  • Serotonin (correct)
  • Dopamine

What is the main function of GABA as a neurotransmitter?

  • Induces pleasure
  • Enhances memory
  • Calms neural activity (correct)
  • Promotes learning

Among the following options, which one is categorized as a growth factor that acts slower than traditional neurotransmitters?

  • Noradrenaline
  • BDNF (correct)
  • Dopamine
  • Glutamate

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the fight or flight response?

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

Which neurotransmitter is incorrectly identified as a neurotransmitter?

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

What was the suspected cause of the patient's deep coma and paralysis?

<p>Tetrodotoxin poisoning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does tetrodotoxin (TTX) affect neuronal function?

<p>It inhibits sodium channels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the IC50 value for a substance like TTX?

<p>It measures the potency of a substance in blocking biological activity by 50%. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which fish was identified as containing tetrodotoxin?

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

What is the primary action of picrotoxin on GABAA receptors?

<p>It inhibits GABAA receptors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter does d-tubocurarine antagonize at the neuromuscular junction?

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

What was the historical use of picrotoxin in relation to beer?

<p>To increase its intoxicating effects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of TTX-like molecules in medicine?

<p>For pain treatment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of treatment was administered to the patient who consumed pufferfish?

<p>Cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does neuropharmacology primarily study?

<p>The effects of drugs on mood and cognition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to action potentials when TTX is present?

<p>They are blocked. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms did the 52-year-old fisherman exhibit after consuming certain fish organs?

<p>Acute respiratory failure and bradycardia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action was taken after identifying the fish the patient consumed?

<p>The fish was photographed and analyzed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did picrotoxin affect fish when used in fishing practices?

<p>It caused paralysis in the fish (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a sub-discipline of pharmacology?

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

What improvement was first noted in the patient after receiving neostigmine?

<p>Return of deep tendon reflexes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of studies does in vivo neuropharmacology involve?

<p>Drug effects in living organisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of in vitro neuropharmacology?

<p>Studying drug effects on tissue or isolated neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of plant is picrotoxin derived from?

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

What clinical state did the patient develop after consuming fish liver and gonads?

<p>Complete paralysis with absence of motor responses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects the evolution of pharmacology over time?

<p>Synthetic drugs emerged prominently around 1900. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychopharmacology from neuropharmacology?

<p>Psychopharmacology focuses on the effects of drugs on psychological parameters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is molar concentration not used in in vivo neuropharmacology?

<p>It's impractical to measure exact concentrations in organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the study of drug effects on all aspects of the nervous system?

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

What is the primary mechanism by which Novichok poisoning leads to muscle spasms?

<p>Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does neostigmine have when used with poison in an animal model?

<p>It provides recovery and increases response (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the study using eserine, what was the main purpose of this compound?

<p>To allow accurate measurements of acetylcholine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of inhibiting the diaphragm as compared to inhibiting the limbs?

<p>The animal may die without being able to move (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding neurotransmitter criteria?

<p>Effects of neurotransmitters should be blocked by competitive antagonists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of using a potent inhibitor like eserine in muscle tests?

<p>Enhanced muscle sensitivity to acetylcholine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of Novichok nerve agents?

<p>They have a long duration of action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in how the brain is affected compared to the limbs during poisoning?

<p>Inhibition of the brain allows conscious thought for longer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is primarily responsible for terminating the action of neurotransmitters?

<p>Uptake by presynaptic neurons (A), Degradation by enzymes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What property must a neurotransmitter possess for it to be considered functional?

<p>It should be detectable and produce an action potential. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter is associated with fast excitation at the neuromuscular junction?

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

What type of neurotransmitter receptor is associated with GABA?

<p>Both ionotropic and metabotropic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is glutamate considered a critical neurotransmitter in the brain?

<p>It mediates most synapses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is NOT classified as an amino acid?

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

What mechanism terminates the action of glutamate in central synapses?

<p>Re-uptake through transporters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter receptor type is primarily associated with slow synaptic responses?

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

Which neurotransmitter has both excitatory and inhibitory effects depending on its receptor type?

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

What is the action of TTX in the context of neurotransmission?

<p>It blocks action potentials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neuropharmacology

The study of how drugs affect the nervous system, focusing on their impact on sensory perception, motor function, mood, cognition, and other nervous system activities.

Psychopharmacology

A branch of neuropharmacology that examines the effects of drugs on psychological aspects like emotions and thoughts.

Neuropsychopharmacology

The study of the wide-ranging effects of drugs on the nervous system, encompassing both psychological and physiological impacts.

Medical neuropharmacology

The study of how medicines work and their side effects on the nervous system, focusing on practical applications in medicine.

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In vitro neuropharmacology

Examining drug effects on isolated tissues or neurons in a controlled lab environment, often measuring concentration-response relationships.

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In vivo neuropharmacology

Evaluating drug effects on whole living organisms, including humans and animals, typically examining dose-response relationships.

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Dose-response relationship

The study of the relationship between the dose of a drug and its effect on an organism.

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Pharmacology

A field that studies the functions of various organs using pharmacological tools.

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Compound/Chemical/Agent

A type of drug, regardless of legal status, that has a chemical structure and a specific effect on the body.

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Non-competitive antagonist

A substance that blocks the action of another substance by binding to its receptor, preventing the original substance from binding.

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GABAÄ„ receptor

A receptor in the brain that receives the neurotransmitter GABA, leading to inhibition of nerve activity.

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Tetrodotoxin

A poisonous substance found in pufferfish and other marine organisms, causing paralysis and respiratory failure.

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Cholinesterase inhibitor

A drug that acts by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and nerve signaling.

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Neostigmine

A medication used to reverse the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors, restoring normal muscle function and nerve signaling.

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Complete paralysis

A state of complete physical inactivity due to paralysis, characterized by lack of movement and reflexes.

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Bradypnea

A condition characterized by rapid, shallow breathing, often associated with respiratory distress or failure.

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Tetrodotoxin (TTX)

A paralytic neurotoxin found in certain pufferfish species, like Lagocephalus sceleratus.

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Complete Muscle Paralysis

A neurological condition characterized by complete loss of voluntary movement and reflexes due to paralysis of the muscles.

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IC50 (Half-maximal Inhibitory Concentration)

The measurement of the concentration of a drug or substance needed to inhibit a specific biological process by 50%.

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Voltage Gated Sodium Channel

A specialized protein channel embedded in the cell membrane that opens in response to changes in voltage, allowing the passage of ions like sodium.

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Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions by interacting with receptors on muscle cells.

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d-tubocurarine

A natural poison derived from the curare vine used in the Amazon to paralyze animals for hunting.

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Acetylcholine Antagonists

A class of medications that block the action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle relaxation.

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Neuromuscular Junction

The junction between a motor nerve and a muscle fiber where the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released to trigger muscle contraction.

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What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers released from nerves, upon electrical stimulation, that bind to receptors, inducing a response.

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What is Serotonin?

A neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions. It's frequently associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

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What are neuromodulators?

A class of neurotransmitters that include endorphins, which are often associated with feelings of pleasure and pain relief. They are not traditional neurotransmitters but function as signaling molecules.

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What is Acetylcholine ?

A neurotransmitter known for its role in regulating muscle contraction, memory, and learning.

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What is GABA?

A neurotransmitter primarily involved in the regulation of sleep, arousal, and attention. It can contribute to feelings of calmness and relaxation.

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Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses.

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Neurotransmitter Termination

The process by which the action of a neurotransmitter is stopped in the synaptic cleft.

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Neurotransmitter Uptake

The reuptake of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron or glial cells.

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Neurotransmitter Enzymatic Inactivation

Enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters into inactive metabolites.

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Neurotransmitter Receptor Binding

The process by which a neurotransmitter binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic neuron, causing a change in membrane potential.

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Ionotropic Receptor

A type of neurotransmitter receptor that directly opens an ion channel when activated, causing a rapid change in membrane potential.

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Metabotropic Receptor

A type of neurotransmitter receptor that activates a signal transduction pathway, indirectly influencing ion channel activity, leading to slower and more complex responses.

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G-protein Coupled Receptor

A type of receptor that uses G-proteins to initiate intracellular signaling cascades, often leading to long-term changes in neuronal function.

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Glutamate

A neurotransmitter important for learning and memory, involved in rapid excitatory transmission in the brain.

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Novichok Poisons

A group of potent nerve agents that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to muscle spasms, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

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Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme found in the nervous system that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction.

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In Vitro Experiment

A method of testing the effects of drugs or other substances on isolated tissues or organs outside of a living organism.

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Leech Test

A test involving a leech muscle that was made highly sensitive to acetylcholine by pre-treating it with eserine, allowing researchers to measure acetylcholine levels more accurately.

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Kymograph

A type of graph that records physiological measurements over time, often used to study muscle contractions and other physiological responses.

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Asphyxiation

A state of suffocation caused by an inability to breathe, often leading to death.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Neuropharmacology

  • Neuropharmacology defines the study of drugs impacting the nervous system, encompassing sensory perception, motor function, mood, cognitive function, and seizure activity.
  • Neuropharmacology is part of broader cognitive science, encompassing neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neuro-techniques.
  • Tools in neuroscience, like pharmacological tools, are essential for understanding organ function and brain function specifically.
  • Pharmacology has many sub-disciplines and has been used in lethal situations.

Pharmacology and Advancement

  • The progression of pharmacology is depicted, showing evolution from ancient, herbal remedies to modern, synthetic drugs and biopharmaceuticals.
  • Key milestones include the advancements in chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and biomedical sciences.
  • Historical tools relate to magical potions, herbal remedies, natural products, and synthetic chemistry to modern techniques.

Neuropharmacological Tools

  • Pharmacological tools help understand how different organs (e.g., brain) function, providing insight into various physiological behaviors.
  • These tools aid in understanding brain processes through sub-disciplines like neuroscience.

Neuropharmacology Definition and Key Concepts

  • Neuropharmacology is the study of how drugs affect the nervous system.
  • This field examines different aspects like sensory perception, motor function, seizures, and diverse nervous system processes.

Case Study 1: Picrotoxin

  • Picrotoxin is a non-competitive antagonist for GABA receptors, inhibiting GABA receptors.
  • Derived from fishberry plants, it was traditionally used to poison fish and (incorrectly) to make beer more intoxicating. It's now banned for these uses.
  • Historically, picrotoxin served as a research tool for understanding anesthetic mechanisms and in treating barbiturate toxicity.

Case Study 2: Food Poisoning

  • The case details food poisoning from Pufferfish consumption and its resulting symptoms which include paralysis, rapid progression to deep coma.
  • The poisoning involved tetrodotoxin (TTX), affecting the neurotransmitter systems and blocking the Na+ channels.

Case Study 3: Hunting Poison

  • Curare vine alkaloids are used in Amazonian hunting poisons.
  • The primary alkaloid, tubocurarine, is an acetylcholine receptor antagonist.
  • These poisons block muscle contraction, facilitating hunting.

Neurotransmitter Function

  • Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons.
  • These molecules affect neurons, cells and behaviors in various ways.
  • Different neurotransmitters (e.g., Acetylcholine, GABA, Glutamate, Endorphins) exhibit diverse functions and impacts.

Mechanisms

  • Action potentials are caused by the use of specific channels or receptors by TTX to illustrate how neurotransmission works.

Methods and Application

  • Different experiments and neurotransmitter methods and applications are discussed in the document.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of neuropharmacology, examining how drugs interact with the nervous system and affect various functions like mood and cognition. It also discusses the historical evolution of pharmacology from herbal remedies to modern biopharmaceuticals, highlighting essential tools and techniques in neuroscience.

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