4.03 drugs change the way neurons communicate
TRANSCRIPT
4.03- Drugs Change the Way Neurons Communicate
BMT II
Unit 4
Lesson 3
Objectives
• Understand that certain drugs interfere selectively with neurotransmission
• Realize the effect of a drug is dependent upon dosage and route of administration
Drugs of Abuse
• Useful for investigating brain functions
– Can mimic actions of neurotransmitters
– Can block actions of neurotransmitters
– Apply effects on homeostasis
– Apply effects on behavior
Drugs Disrupt Neurotransmission
• Produce feelings of pleasure by altering neurotransmission by neurons in the Reward system that release the neurotransmitter - DOPAMINE
Methamphetamine
• Causes a release of dopamine
Nicotine
• Increase the number of action potentials and number of vesicles released from neuron
• Increases dopamine released
Caffeine
• Prevents neurotransmitter-adenosine from binding with its receptor
• Binding Adenosine = sedation
Cocaine
• Blocks dopamine transporter which then increases a rapid rise in dopamine
• Causing a feeling of euphoria
• How Cocaine Alter Neurotransmission Video
Alcohol
• Alters brain neurons
• Binds directly to receptors for acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA
• Reduces glutamate excitatory effect
• Increases release of dopamine
Factors that Determine How A Drug Affects an Individual
• Environmental
– Stress
– Trauma
– Dosage
– Route of administration
• Biological
– Genetics
The Dose Changes the Drug’s Effects
Drugs Enter the Brain in Different Ways
• Routes of administration
– Injection
– Inhalation
– Snorting/snuffing
– Ingesting
– Through the skin
Effects of Methamphetamine
Activity: Drugs Alter Neurotransmission
Activity: How Does Caffeine Affect You?
REMINDERS:
Stay in your seat during the activity
You can read or talk quietly with your group but stay still
Activity: Routes of Administration