with Neurotransmission in the Brain Drugs Interfere with Neurotransmission in the Brain

Median Forebrain Bundle (MFB) is the “reward center” Median Forebrain Bundle (MFB) is the “reward center”. Contains nerve cells that contain dopamine, a pleasure-causing neurotransmitter. When stimulated by drugs of abuse (cocaine, meth, nicotine, etc) they cause an increase in dopamine within this part of the brain. Drugs of abuse alter the release of dopamine, or increase its action. Drug abuse causes addictive behaviors, mental health issues, physical problems, and ruins lives and relationships. It’s important to understand it, and that’s why we’re studying it.

Psycho Stimulants like Cocaine and Amphetamines cause euphoria. Unfortunately, they also cause hostility, paranoia (fear), psychosis (mental illness), heart failure, seizures, and even more anxiety. meth When amphetamines are used, neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonins, and norepinephrine are released

Cocaine and Meth block uptake pumps Cocaine and Meth block uptake pumps. The Dopamine Transporters don’t function any more, so the dopamine doesn’t get cleared out of the synaptic space. cocaine meth

Psycho-stimulants (cont.)

The psychoactive drug Nicotine can have a calming effect and speeds up your heart and metabolism. Unfortunately, it also causes addiction, many types of cancer, high blood pressure, breathing problems, it stinks and it’s expensive (cigarettes). Moreover, there are better ways of calming down and/or losing weight.

From Wikipedia: When a cigarette is smoked, nicotine-rich blood passes from the lungs to the brain within seven seconds and immediately stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; this indirectly promotes the release of many chemical messengers such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, arginine vasopressin, serotonin, dopamine, and beta-endorphin in parts of the brain.

Morphine, Heroin and Oxycontin- Opiates that mimic neurotransmitters Morphine, Heroin and Oxycontin- Opiates that mimic neurotransmitters. All have pain relieving effects, but highly addictive! All highly addictive chemicals because they increase dopamine activity in the reward pathway! Your natural endorphins serve to block pain. Morphine acts as an endorphin “imposter”, locking on to the endorphin receptors in a more-powerful fashion.

Heroin travels to the brain and converts to morphine Heroin travels to the brain and converts to morphine. The morphine acts as an ‘evil twin’ to your natural endorphins, locking onto the endorphin receptors.

Opiates such as morphine and codeine are used for pain relief Opiates such as morphine and codeine are used for pain relief. They are an immense ‘blessing’ to humankind because they control pain and allow surgery to take place. Opioid abuse in America has reached epidemic levels (see chart). It is one of the biggest crisis we face in America right now. morphine

OxyContin - belongs to a family of drugs called opioids, which are derived from the opium poppy and are among the most common drugs used to address both chronic and acute pain. Very addictive!

THC- mimics cannabinoid NT’s cannabinoids cannabinoid receptors Cannabinoid NT’s THC

LSD – most potent hallucinogen; binds to serotonin receptors LSD – most potent hallucinogen; binds to serotonin receptors. Mimics serotonin. serotonin serotonin receptors serotonin LSD

Ethyl alcohol  Release of Dopamine

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors adenosine transporter adenosine receptor I postsynaptic ne ron

Ecstacy interferes with enzyme action Ecstacy interferes with enzyme action. Serotonin remains in the synapse longer.

make up the whole vascular system How do Drugs Get Into the Body? Arterial Vessels and Venous Vessels make up the whole vascular system BRAIN

How do Drugs Get Into the Body? Inhaled: atrial blood (artery) in the lungs  all body parts, esp the brain. atrial chamber to heart  pumped to Injected: venous blood (vein) in the arm  venous chamber to heart  pumped to lungs (blood becomes oxygenated) lungs  atrial chamber to heart  all body parts, esp the brain. Absorbed: A longer pathway for absorption.  heart pumped to all body parts, esp the brain. Injested: Drug goes through digestive system and must pass through walls of the stomach and intestine.  heart pumped to all body parts, esp the brain.