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Dive into the intricacies of the central nervous system, focusing on neurons, neurotransmitters, and the effects of various drugs on the CNS. Explore the functions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses of different substances affecting the CNS.
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Neuron • The basic functional unit of the CNS • Exhibits excitability • Exhibits conductivity
Synapse • The microscopic gap separating neurons
Neurotransmitters • A chemical substance capable of transmitting an impulse across the synaptic cleft • Contained in small sacs called vesicles
Variety of neurotransmitters • Cause acute CNS reaction • Small molecule • Rapidly acting Which are these?
ANSWERS: • Acetylcholine • Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin • Asparate, Gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glutamate, Glycine
Variety of neurotransmitters: • Causes prolonged CNS reactions • Large molecule • Slow acting Which are these?
Answers: • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) • Insulin
Factors: • Synaptic fatigue • Upregulation • Downregulation
Dysfunction • Excessive stimulation: 1. Muscle cramps 2. Convulsions 3. Psychotic symptoms 4. Hallucinations 5. Tension
And........ • Depression results in: 1. Decreased levels of consciousness 2. Respiratory depression
Narcotics and Analgesics • Mechanism of action: Bind to opiod receptors on cell membranes of specific neurons in the brain resulting in decreased pain
Analgesics & Antipyretics • Mechanism of action: Inactivates cyclooxegenayse which prevents prostaglandin formation
Sedatives & Hypnotics • Barbiturates • Benzodiazepines • Nonbarbiturates & Nonbenzodiazepines
Barbiturates Inhibits function of nerve cells Benzodiazepines Bind with receptors to increase the effects of GABA Mechanism of Action
Antianxiety Drugs • Benzodiazepines are the most common • Mechanism of action: Facilitate the inhibitory effects of GABA
Antidepressant Drugs • Types of drugs: 1. Tricyclic antidepressants 2. SSRI 3. MAOI
Mechanism of Action • Increases the amount of neurotransmitters (serotonin & epinephrine)
Antipsychotics • Treats psychotic processes • Mechanism of action: Decreases the effects of Dopamine by occupying receptor sites
Anticonvulsants • Treats seizure disorders • Mechanism of action is unclear May: 1. Decreases neuronal excitability 2. Prevents spread of impulses
Alcohol • Depresses the CNS • Rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestines • Quickly distributed to all body tissues