Neurotransmitter Functions and Drug Impact
48 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)?

  • To increase the likelihood of a neuron firing.
  • To have no effect on a neuron's firing.
  • To cause a neuron to fire uncontrollably.
  • To decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing. (correct)

How do excitatory and inhibitory inputs typically interact within a neuron?

  • They always work together to make a neuron fire.
  • They both always cause the firing of neurons.
  • They compete with each other to determine the neuron's firing rate. (correct)
  • They work in isolation, one not affecting the other.

Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the brain's reward system and is often increased by addictive drugs?

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine (correct)
  • GABA
  • Acetylcholine

Which neurotransmitter is considered a natural painkiller similar to opioids, and which can lead to dependency when mimicked?

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

Which inhibitory neurotransmitter does alcohol primarily enhance, causing sedation?

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

Cocaine and amphetamines primarily influence which of the following neurotransmitter systems?

<p>The dopamine system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter plays a vital role in learning and memory, but is often disrupted by drug abuse?

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

How does repeated drug use affect neurotransmitter systems and behaviors over time?

<p>It leads to changes in neurotransmitter levels and receptor sensitivity, reinforcing addictive behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway in drug use?

<p>To reinforce drug-taking behavior through dopamine activation in the nucleus accumbens. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the cell bodies of serotonin-expressing neurons primarily located?

<p>Raphe nuclei of the brain stem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the action of serotonin on synaptic transmission?

<p>It acts on ion channels to produce both excitatory and inhibitory transmission of action potentials. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does MDMA, an agonist of serotonin, primarily affect serotonin levels in the synapse?

<p>By blocking serotonin reuptake, leading to increased serotonin in the synaptic cleft. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a known function of serotonin?

<p>Regulating blood pressure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) regarding serotonin?

<p>They block the serotonin transporter (SERT), thereby increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides MDMA, which other drugs also block 5-HT reuptake?

<p>Hallucinogens (psilocybin, mescaline, peyote, LSD) and Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE about the relationship between serotonin and mood?

<p>High serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft is linked to improved mood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter's release in the nucleus accumbens is most closely associated with a drug's addictive potential?

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

Why is MDMA considered to have a lower addiction potential compared to cocaine and amphetamine?

<p>It has a lower affinity for releasing dopamine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of endorphins in the context of pain and pleasure?

<p>To reduce pain (analgesia) and induce pleasure (euphoria). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptors do endorphins primarily act upon?

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

How do opioid receptors reduce the likelihood of action potentials carrying pain signals?

<p>By opening potassium (K+) channels or closing sodium (Na+) channels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does heroin indirectly increase dopamine levels in the brain's reward system?

<p>By inhibiting neurons that suppress dopamine release. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding of the Zito et al. (1985) study using rats?

<p>The nucleus accumbens and dopamine are essential for heroin's rewarding effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do endorphins contribute to dopamine release within the VTA?

<p>By inhibiting inhibitory GABA neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Berridge & Kringelbach (2008) study, what was the primary method used to measure emotional responses in rats?

<p>Observing and recording the rats' facial reactions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Berridge & Kringelbach study, what effect did opiate injections into the larger region of the nucleus accumbens have on the rats' reaction to bitter tastes?

<p>It decreased their dislike for bitter tastes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Berridge & Kringelbach study, how did opiate injections into the smaller region of the nucleus accumbens affect the rats' response to sweet tastes?

<p>It increased their liking for sweet tastes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Berridge & Kringelbach study, what effect did opiate injections into the very small region of the nucleus accumbens have on the rats' response to sweet tastes?

<p>It decreased their liking for sweet tastes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Berridge & Kringelbach draw from their study regarding the role of the nucleus accumbens in emotional responses to taste?

<p>Specific subregions within the nucleus accumbens can have differential effects on the experience of pleasure and displeasure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do acetylcholinergic cells send signals in the brain?

<p>They send signals to many different parts of the brain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does acetylcholine play in cognitive capacity?

<p>It influences sensitivity to sensory input, memory, and speed of responding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Alzheimer's disease related to acetylcholine (ACH)?

<p>It is marked by the destruction of acetylcholine cell bodies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of receptor does THC primarily bind to in the brain?

<p>CB1 receptor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process best describes how THC affects GABA interneurons in the VTA?

<p>It inhibits GABA neurons via retrograde signalling. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the direct effect of THC binding to CB1 receptors on GABA interneurons?

<p>Inhibition of the GABA interneurons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An increase in dopamine firing in the VTA is most closely associated with which of these effects?

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

How does THC binding to CB1 receptors affect dopamine neurons in the VTA?

<p>It leads to a disinhibition of dopamine neurons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If CB1 receptors are activated in areas of the brain associated with memory, what could be a consequence of this event?

<p>Difficulties in memory formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of GABA interneurons in the VTA under normal conditions?

<p>To inhibit dopamine neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between THC, GABA interneurons, and dopamine neurons in the VTA?

<p>THC inhibits GABA interneurons, which leads to disinhibition of the dopamine neurons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the regulation of positive mood?

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

At what specific locations on a neuron's axon do ions cross the cell membrane via ion channels?

<p>Nodes of Ranvier (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurotransmitter typically opens potassium (K+) channels, promoting a negative internal charge and reducing action potential likelihood?

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

The rewarding effects of THC are thought to involve a complex interaction between which neurotransmitter systems?

<p>Cannabinoid, GABA, &amp; Dopamine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lesions in which brain area abolish cocaine and amphetamine self-administration suggesting it plays a significant role in the reinforcing effects of drug-self administration?

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

Alcohol acts as a relaxant through its interaction with which neurotransmitter receptor(s)?

<p>GABA &amp; Glutamate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The functions of which neurotransmitter’s receptors are crucial for long-term potentiation?

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

Changes in neurotransmission at which location are the basis for learning, behavior, and where many drugs act to create addiction?

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

Flashcards

Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway

A brain pathway crucial for drug reward, as it's implicated in the reinforcing effects of drugs like cocaine and amphetamines.

Nucleus Accumbens

A key structure in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, its activation by dopamine is essential for reinforcing drug-taking behavior.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter known for its role in mood regulation, sleep, and other functions.

Raphe Nuclei

A group of brain nuclei responsible for producing serotonin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Serotonin Neuromodulation

The process of releasing serotonin into the synaptic cleft, influencing the activity of nearby neurons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Serotonin Agonist

A drug that increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft by blocking its reuptake.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of antidepressants that increase serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft by blocking its reuptake.

Signup and view all the flashcards

MDMA (Ecstasy)

A synthetic drug that acts as a serotonin agonist, known for its psychoactive effects and potential for abuse.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is an Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)?

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is a type of signal that decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing. It is caused by the release of neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, making it more negative inside and less likely to reach the threshold for an action potential.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do excitatory and inhibitory signals interact?

Neurons receive both excitatory and inhibitory signals. These signals 'compete' to determine whether the neuron fires or not. If more excitatory signals arrive, the neuron is more likely to fire. Conversely, if more inhibitory signals arrive, the neuron is less likely to fire.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do drugs affect neuronal signaling?

Drugs can affect how neurons communicate by altering the balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals. Some drugs might increase the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, making neurons more likely to fire. Others might block the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to increased neuronal activity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is dopamine's role in addiction?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the brain's reward system. Drugs of abuse often increase dopamine levels, leading to feelings of pleasure and reinforcing drug-seeking behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does serotonin relate to addiction?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, emotion, and sleep. Imbalances in serotonin levels are linked to mood disorders and contribute to addiction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the role of endorphins in addiction?

Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the brain. Opioid drugs mimic the effects of endorphins, leading to pain relief and a sense of euphoria, but also to dependence and addiction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How is acetylcholine related to addiction?

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and attention. Nicotine, a stimulant found in cigarettes, activates acetylcholine receptors, leading to a release of dopamine and reinforcing smoking behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is GABA's connection to addiction?

GABA is the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Alcohol enhances the effects of GABA, leading to sedation and relaxation. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt GABA signaling, contributing to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in the reward system, released by drugs like MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine. Its release in the nucleus accumbens contributes to the addictive potential of these drugs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Addictive Potential

The amount to which a drug can cause addiction, often linked to the amount of dopamine released.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Endorphins

A type of neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in pain reduction and pleasure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Opioid Receptors

Receptors in the brain that respond to opioids like heroin and morphine, influencing pain perception and pleasure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nucleus Accumbens (and Heroin)

A brain region involved in reward and dopamine release, crucial for the addictive effects of heroin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dopamine Release (and Addiction)

The process of a drug directly stimulating dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, contributing to its addictive properties.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inhibitory GABA Neurons

A type of neuron that inhibits the activity of other neurons. In the reward system, they control dopamine release.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in cognitive abilities like attention, memory, and responding to stimuli.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Opiate

A type of drug that mimics the effects of a natural neurotransmitter, such as heroin or morphine.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hedonic Reaction

A state where something is perceived as enjoyable or satisfying. It's often associated with release of dopamine in the brain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agonist

A drug that increases the effects of a neurotransmitter, often by mimicking its actions or blocking its breakdown.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Antagonist

A drug that decreases the effects of a neurotransmitter, often by blocking its receptors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alzheimer's disease

A disease characterized by severe memory loss and cognitive decline, often linked to the loss of acetylcholine-producing neurons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neural Communication

The ability of different brain regions to communicate and interact, allowing for complex cognitive functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter known for its role in positive mood, happiness, and well-being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nodes of Ranvier

The gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon where ion channels are concentrated, allowing for the rapid transmission of nerve impulses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing by opening potassium (K+) channels, making the inside of the cell more negative.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cannabinoid, GABA & Dopamine

The rewarding effects of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, are believed to be caused by a complex interaction of these three neurotransmitters.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Striatum

A brain area essential for the reinforcing effects of drug self-administration. Lesions in this area abolish cocaine and amphetamine self-administration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

GABA & glutamate

Alcohol's relaxation effects are mediated by its interactions with these two types of receptors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter whose receptors play a vital role in long term potentiation, essential for learning and memory.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Synaptic Cleft

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received, making it the site of drug action and the foundation of learning and behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, known to bind and activate CB1 receptors located throughout the brain, resulting in various psychological and physiological effects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

CB1 Receptor

A type of receptor in the brain that is part of the endocannabinoid system; it plays a role in various functions like memory, pleasure, and motor coordination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Endocannabinoid System

A complex network of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes that regulates important bodily functions like mood, appetite, and pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychological Effects of Cannabis

The effects of cannabis on the brain, including alterations in mood, perception, memory, and motor control.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mesolimbic Pathway

A brain pathway involved in regulating movement, motivation, and reward, which is influenced by THC.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dopamine Neuron

A type of neuron in the VTA that transmits signals using dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cannabinoid: Retrograde Inhibition

The process where THC interacts with CB1 receptors on GABA neurons in the VTA, inhibiting their activity and leading to increased dopamine release.

Signup and view all the flashcards

GABA Neuron

A type of neuron in the VTA that uses GABA as a neurotransmitter, playing a role in inhibiting dopamine neurons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Neuropharmacology

  • Neuropharmacology is the study of how drugs affect the nervous system
  • Early philosophers and scientists speculated about how animals and humans could change their behavior in response to external stimuli.
  • Early theories, like René Descartes', proposed that the body operates like a machine and that behavior is controlled by the movement of fluids within the body.
  • Luigi Galvani demonstrated that electrical energy plays a crucial role in transmitting information between the brain and muscles.
  • He found applying an electrical current to a frog's leg caused it to twitch, even when detached from the body.
  • This indicated that muscle movement could be triggered by electrical energy, not fluid pressure as earlier theories suggested.
  • Galvani proposed that sensory input (like a frog seeing a fly) triggers electrical signals along neurons to the brain, where the brain processes the information and signals sensory input to muscles for a reaction.

Key Neurotransmitters in Addiction

  • Dopamine: Involved in the brain's reward system; addictive drugs often increase dopamine levels.
  • Serotonin: Affects mood and emotion; imbalances can lead to mood disorders.
  • Endorphins: Natural painkillers; opioid drugs mimic endorphins.
  • Acetylcholine: Linked to memory and attention; nicotine stimulates acetylcholine receptors.
  • GABA: An inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms brain activity; alcohol enhances GABA's effects.
  • Glutamate: The brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter; drug abuse can disrupt glutamate pathways.
  • Endocannabinoids: Regulate mood, appetite, and memory; cannabis directly affects this system.

Synaptic Potentials

  • Excitatory neurotransmitters open sodium channels, allowing sodium ions to enter the postsynaptic cell, creating a positive internal charge, increassing the probability of an action potential or causing an action potential.
  • Inhibitory neurotransmitters open potassium channels which releases potassium ions, creating a negative internal charge and decreasing the probability of an action potential.

Drug Effects on Neurotransmitters

  • Drugs can be agonists or antagonists:
    • Agonists bind to receptors perfectly, triggering similar effects as normal neurotransmitters
    • Antagonists bind imperfectly, blocking normal neurotransmitter from binding
  • Agonists & antagonists act at different receptors, creating complex effects in different parts of the brain.
  • Dose-response curves compare behavior or experience against dose taken, indexed by a measure of behavior or experience.

Dopamine Pathways and Drug Reward

  • There are three main dopamine pathways in the brain: Mesocortical, Nigrostriatal, and Mesolimbic (reward pathway).
  • Dopamine is released in the Nucleus Accumbens in response to an additive substance. This feeling of pleasure is important for learning about rewarding properties of drug use.
  • Drug self-administration is the procedure in which rats gain access to a lever which if pressed causes the infusion of a drug into the bloodstream
  • The release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens is crucial for drug reward and addiction.

Serotonin

  • Serotonin is located in the raphe nuclei of the brain stem.
  • Serotonin is involved in mood.
  • MDMA blocks serotonin reuptake, causing an increase in serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft.

Endorphins

  • Endorphins play a role in pain reduction and subjective pleasure, via opioid receptors.
  • Heroin works primarily on the endorphin system but its effects also strongly involve dopamine.

Acetylcholine

  • Acetylcholine has a role in cognitive capacity, sensory events, memory.
  • Nicotine is an acetylcholine agonist, and improves cognitive function.
  • Nicotine increases the signal-to-noise ratio in firing rates of brain cells.

GABA

  • GABA is chief inhibitory neurotransmitter.
  • Alcohol enhances GABA's effects and reduces neural activity.
  • By inhibiting excitation levels, GABA leads to sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Glutamate

  • Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain.
  • Glutamate is important in learning and memory.
  • Glutamate release activates AMPA and Kainate receptors quickly to create an action potential in the receiving neuron.
  • NMDA receptors allow calcium into the neuron and cause intracellular signalling pathway, leading to long term potentiation (LTP).

Cannabinoids

  • Cannabinoid receptors are important for the regulation of physiological and cognitive processes.
  • THC binds to CB1 receptors, which influence areas in the brain involved with reward, pleasure, thinking, movement, and coordination.
  • THC also activates the dopamine system by increasing the firing rate of dopamine-producing cells in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) in the brain.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Neuropharmacology (I) Lecture Notes PDF

Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to neurotransmitters, including their roles in inhibitory and excitatory processes, and how drug use affects these systems. It covers the basics of the brain's reward pathways and the influence of specific neurotransmitters on behavior and memory. Test your understanding of these critical elements in neuroscience!

More Like This

GRUPO 3 TEMA 1
40 questions

GRUPO 3 TEMA 1

HandsomeSanity avatar
HandsomeSanity
Neurotransmitters and Drug Classification Quiz
18 questions

Neurotransmitters and Drug Classification Quiz

ImprovedAllusion avatar
ImprovedAllusion
Understanding Drug Use and Addiction
12 questions

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction

AwesomeGreenTourmaline avatar
AwesomeGreenTourmaline
Psychology of Drug Use and Behavior
10 questions

Psychology of Drug Use and Behavior

PersonalizedIdiom6326 avatar
PersonalizedIdiom6326
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser