The Pharmacology and Physiology of Drug Use

Pharmacology The relationship of interactions between drugs and living organisms

The Nervous System Central Nervous System (CNS) Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The Neuron The neuron contains two types of nerve fibers Dendrites – allow nerve impulses to be transmitted to the nerve’s cell body Axoms – send nerve impulses away from the nerve’s cell body Synapse – the space between an axon and a dendrite

The Neuron (cont.) Action potential – a process by which the nerve impulse is sent down the axon Neurotransmitters – Substances manufactured in the neuron and released into the synapse

Neurons in the Brain

Synaptic Transmission

Neurotransmitters Acetylcholine Serotonin Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Catecholamines Reuptake Dopamine Epinephrine/Adrenaline – integral to the Fight-Flight-Fright Mechanism Peptides

Fight-Flight-Fright Mechanisms

The Central Nervous System (CNS) Reticular activating system (RAS) Hypothalamus Cerebral cortex Limbic system Medial forebrain bundle (MFB) Basal ganglia Periventricular system Brain stem

Cross Section of the Human Brain

Actions of Various Parts of the Brain

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Somatic Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic nervous system Parasympathetic nervous system

Comparison of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems

Drugs and Major Body Systems Endocrine System Cardiovascular System Respiratory System Gastrointestinal System

Factors Influencing the Effects of Drugs Age Gender Dosage Threshold dose Effective dose (ED) Lethal dose (LD) Dose-Response Curve

Dose-Response Curve

Factors Influencing the Effects of Drugs (cont.) Purity and Potency Drug Interactions Tolerance Pharmacological tolerance Behavioral tolerance Cross-tolerance Reverse tolerance

Factors Influencing the Effects of Drugs (cont.) Set and Setting

Methods of Administration Oral ingestion Injection Intravenous injection Intramuscular injection Subcutaneous injection Topical Inhalation