Download Mouse party Summary-the Effect of Drug use on Neurotransmitters

Summary of the Effect of Drug/Toxin use on Neurotransmitters KEY
Drug
NeuroAgonist or
transmitter(s) Antagonist?
affected
Describe the mechanism and effect
cocaine
Epinephrine
Agonist

Blocks absorption of epinephrine (it remains in synapse) increases HR,
vasoconstriction  Hyperthermia, increased BP, risk of Heart Attack
increases, decreased appetite, Less fatigue
Dopamine
Agonist

Blocks reuptake of dopamine by binding to the dopamine transporters 
euphoria
acetylcholine
Antagonist
Agonist

Block sodium channels so pain impulse not felt
Normally, inhibitory neurotransmitters inhibit dopamine from being
released
Heroin, like the body’s natural opiates stop the release of inhibitory
neurotransmitters.  Dopamine is released  sedation and well being.
Opiate receptors located in parts of brain responsible for pain signals,
stress response, emotional attachment
heroin
dopamine



THC (in
marijuana)
dopamine
agonist





Alcohol
GABA
Agonist


Glutamate
antagonist


Normally, inhibitory neurotransmitters inhibit dopamine from being
released
THC mimics anandamide
Anandamide activates cannabinoid receptors  stops the inhibitory
transmitters  dopamine released
anandamide slows down movement  relaxed, calm
THC does not break down quickly as does anandamide
GABA is an inhibitory transmitter  decreases chances of firing postsynaptic cell.
Alcohol makes GABA receptors even more inhibitory
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
Alcohol binds to glutamate receptors preventing it from binding to cell
Methamphetamines
Dopamine,
serotonin,
adenalin
Agonist

Alcohol affects part of brain involved in memory formation, impulse
control and decision making

Meth mimics dopamine
Transporters bring it into cell.
Pass into terminal bulbs of neurons.
Enter dopamine, serotonin and adrenalin vesicles causing massive release
and prevents their breakdown. (transporters work in reverse) 
Overstimulation  Euphoria, alertness, anti-fatigue.
Chronic use  dopamine neurons degenerate  less ability to feel
pleasure  addictive
Mimics serotonin. Serotonin transporters readily transport Ecstasy into the
terminal bulb. Transporters start working in reverse, moving serotonin
into the synapse.
Affects part of the brain associated with mood, sleep and appetite.
Excess serotonin stimulates dopamine release  slightly addictive.
Degeneration of neurons associated with dopamine
There are several types of serotonin receptors in the brain, each with
different functions.
Binds to serotonin receptors
LSD may inhibit or excite serotonin receptors  complex sensory effects
Excites locus coeruleus of brain which has neuron that branch into various
sensory areas of the brain.
LC responsible for wakefulness and startle response to unexpected
stimuli.
hallucinations




Ecstasy
serotonin
agonist




LSD
serotonin
Agonist
antagonist






Mouse Party Summary Sheet
Name ___________________
Bio 12 Allen
Drug
cocaine
heroin
THC (in
marijuana)
Alcohol
NeuroAgonist or Describe the mechanism and effect
transmitter Antagonis
(s) affected t?
Drug
Methamphetamines
Ecstasy
LSD
Neurotransmitter
(s) affected
Agonist or Describe the mechanism and effect
Antagonist
?