Ethanol and the CNS Flashcards
What is BAC?
Blood alcohol concentration
What inhibitory neurotransmitters are enhanced in alcohol intoxication?
Glycine and GABA
What exitory neurotransmitters are depressed in alcohol intoxication?
Acetylcholine, 5-HT3 and glutamate
What receptors does glutamate (excitatory) work on
Sodium channels
What receptors does GABA/glycine (inhibitory) work on?
Chlorine channels
Which neurotransmitters have a pentamer receptor?
Cys-loop receptor:
ACh
5-HT3
GABA
Which neurotransmitters have a tetramer receptor?
Glutamate
What is the overall effect of acute ethanol intoxication?
Enhancement of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and a suppression of exitatory glutamateric transmission leading to overall CNS depression
Through which pathway does ethanol activate the reward system?
Mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway
How does the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway work?
Drugs capable of causing dependence via exciting, directly or indirectly VTA neurones which stimulate the release of dopamine which inhibits neurones in the NAc
How does nicotine work in the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway?
It directly excited VTA neurones
How do opioids and cannabinoids work in
the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway?
Inhibit GABAergic neurones that inhibit VTA neurones
How do amphetaines and cocaine work in the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway?
Enhance the release of dopamine from the terminals of VTA neurones or preventing its reuptake
How does ethanol work in the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway?
Inhibits NAc neurones
What are some symptoms of alcohol withdrawel?
Anxiety
Dysphoria
Seizures
