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The effects of chemicals on synaptic transmission: The mechanisms of drug action

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The effects of chemicals on synaptic transmission: The mechanisms of drug action

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A drug is a molecule that has a physiological/psycho-physiological effect on the body when ingested, injected, absorbed or inhaled.

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a drug can effect synaptic transmission in various ways such as:

Disrupting the normal functioning of neurotransmitters - Stimulants and Sedatives

Some stimulants increase the metabolic rate in pre-synaptic cells - increasing neurotransmitter synthesis

Mimicking the action of neurotransmitters - inhibitory/competitive post-synaptic receptor binding

Known as Agonists

Preventing neurotransmitter breakdown/hydrolysis - inhibiting enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase

Act on the central nervous system, interfering with neurotransmitter release and receptor binding- resulting in psycho-physiological effects (psychoactive drugs)

Known as antagonists

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Your first task is to research drugs within the different categories (some will fit in more than one) and include information on the following:

1. The name of the drug (include 'street' names)

2. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)

3. The effect of the drug on synaptic transmission

4. The medical/illegal use of the drug

5. The physiological/psycho-physiological effect/side-effect of the drug

Your post will be graded from 1-5 stars - a star for each of the above criterion

Your second task is to observe the effects of illegal drugs on mice and as above, focus on how these drugs affect synaptic transmission.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/

Extension:
Research additional drugs of your choice/interest and follow the above 5* criteria to add your findings

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- highly addictive
- parasympathomimetic stimulant and alkaloid
- found in the nightshade family of plants
-psychoactive effects, drug-reinforced behavior, compulsive use, relaxant, stimulant, physical dependence and tolerance
- medical use: used to help people quit smoking
- stimulates Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; this indirectly promotes the release of many chemical messengers such as acetylcholine, and dopamine - stimulates different neural pathways

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- semisynthetic opioid synthesised from thebaine
- used for pain medication for the relief severe pain
- has euphoric and relaxing effects
- Activate all opioid receptors completely.
- Reduce Noradrenaline release- impacting attention and response actions

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- Human-made chemical warfare agent classified as a nerve agent
- organophosphorus compound
- impacts neurotransmitter acetylcholine, sarin attacks the nervous system by interfering with the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
- Sarin therefore disrupts the parasympathetic system
Side effects
Following low or moderate exposure:

Pupil constriction

Rapid breathing

Blurred vision

Drowsiness

Slow or fast heart rate

Low of high blood pressure

Following exposure to large doses:

Loss of consciousness

Convulsions

Paralysis

Respiratory failure possibly leading to death

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- Stimulant
- Caffeine does not have a 'street name' but coffee does, such as 'joe'
- API= Caffeine molecule
- Prevents the neurotransmitter adenosine from binding to its receptor
- The binding of adenosine causes sedation, so caffeine leads to an increased activity and arousal level
- Used to improve mental alertness
- Can be used in combination with painkillers/ergotamine to treat migraines
- some people use it to treat asthma; it improves airway function
- Causes insomnia/ nervousness/ restlessness/ nausea/ vomiting/ anxiety/ chest pain/ increased heart rate/ headaches etc.

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- organophosphate
-  rapid hydrolytic degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into inactive products choline and acetic acid (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor)
- Causes weakness/ headaches/ blurred vision/ wheezzing/ vomiting diarrhoea/ abdominal cramps

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acid, Lucy, paper mushrooms, rainbow
- API = ergotamine, a fungus found on rye
- effect = LSD mimics serotonine so body takes it to synaptic cleft. LSD has a higher affinity for 5-HT receptors than serotonine so it prevents serotonine from sending neural messages to the brain. Once LSD has bound to receptor proteins, messages are not carried further - impulse is redirected
- Class A drug, not for medical use
- visual effects e.g. movements, colours, distorted shapes

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1) methylphenidate or inspiral, metadate
2) methylphenidate hydrochloride which is a mild central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD
3) targets dopamine transporters and noradrenaline transporters inhibiting their reuptake. increases dopamine and noradrenline levels in synaptic cleft. changes the neural pathway, allowing a child to concentrate as it activates the brain stem arousal system and cortex.
4) to treat ADHD. stimulant = prescriptive = illegal to non prescription holders
5) calms people down and allows them to focus on one thing. side effects = uneven heartbeat, easy bruising, aggression, hallucination.

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1) amphetamine or speed, pet pills , lid poppers
2) Adderall, a mild CNS stimulant.
3) Mimics the structures of the catecholamine neurotransmitters; noradrenaline and dopamine. modulate monoamine release, repute and signalling with the brain
4) prescription drug used for treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy
5) same as Ritalin

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Drug information (also flashcards which could be used/adapted for revision):

http://www.talktofrank.com/drugs-a-z

https://www.drugabuse.gov/longdesc/impacts-drugs-neurotransmission

https://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/SP/SP.236/S09/lecturenotes/drugchart.htm

https://quizlet.com/129862185/chapter-3-synapse-drugs-flash-cards/

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-fluoxetine hydrochloride, starch, gelatin, silicone, titanium dioxide, iron oxide
-Fluoxetine, an antidepressant agent belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is used to treat depression, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress
-fluoxetine is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it blocks the reuptake of serotonin at the serotonin reuptake pump of the neuronal membrane, enhancing the actions of serotonin on 5HT1A autoreceptors. SSRIs bind with significantly less affinity to histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine receptors than tricyclic antidepressant drugs.
- prescribed drugs
-Prozac has been associated with damaging changes to the brain and/or improper brain development. Some research has shown that the use of SSRIs, such as Prozac, has been associated with movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
-The chronic use of antidepressants like Prozac could lead to a blunted emotional response, changes in mood, and increased experience of agitation, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and nervousness, with the highest rates among people taking the highest doses

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Street Name: Weedkiller/Roundup

Use:Plant killer, targeting weeds that compete with cropsPhosphate compund_Formulae: C₃H₈NO₅P

Synaptic Transmission effect:-

-Inhibits the effects on cholinesterase enzymes in the nervous system, which acts as a TURNS-OFF SWITCH for cholinergic transmission during synapse transmission.

Glyphosate = TOXIC and exposure can result into the development of cancers, targeted to the lymphocyte cells.

It works in the human body as a DISRUPTOR, affecting the thyroid, hormone production and causes Neural cell death.

Side Effects of Glyphosate:

Loss of appetit

Unexplained weight loss

Enlarged lymph nodes

Swelling or distention in the abdomen or belly

Anemia

Fatigue

Chest pain

Fever

Shortness of breath