Neurotransmitters and Synapses
Diseases
Drugs and toxins
Brain Areas
Drugs of abuse and Addiction
100
Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine are all part of this group of neurotransmitters
Catecholamines
100
This disease is characterized by an autoimmune response that attacks myelin of oligodendrocytes in the CNS
Multiple Sclerosis
100
This toxin, produced by the female black widow spider, primarily acts by forming pores in the membrane of motor nerves, stimulating massive release of ACh, NE, and GABA
Latrotoxin
100
This brain region is responsible for coordinating the Autonomic Nervous System
Hypothalamus
100
Caffeine, Nicotine, and Morphine, stimulate THIS enzyme, which is normally involved in the rate-limiting step of Dopamine synthesis
Tyrosine Hydroxylase
200
Dopaminergic neurons increase activity with unexpected rewards, which is thought to mediate a learning mechanism for behaviorally relevant stimuli. This property of DA neurons is called THIS.
Reward Prediction Error
200
This heritable disease is characterized by an insensitivity to pain. Two main genes that can be affected are SCN9A and TRKA.
200
This drug is used as the first line of defense for opioid addiction. It is a long-lasting opioid agonist, and used as maintenance to ease off addiction
Buprenorphine
200
Lesions of this brain area leads to flattened emotions and decreased fear
Amygdala
200
This transcription factor, acts as a sustained molecular switch in the development of addiction. It is thought to be a potential biomarker for addiction.
delta-FosB
300
This temperature sensitive and nociceptive receptor is activated by high temperatures and capsaicin, and is expressed in most mammals, but not birds, making it a useful trick to ward off squirrels from bird-feed by adding capsaicin.
TRPV1
300
This disease is the most common cause of autonomic neuropathy, characterized by an inability of the pancreas to produce insulin
Diabetes Mellitus
300
This drug is fast-acting, used to treat opioid over-dose. A competitive mu-opioid agonist.
Naloxone
300
This brain pathway contains ascending pain and temperature pathways
Spinothalamic Pathway
300
This presynaptic receptor is the main target of cannabis, which leads to an inhibition of presynaptic release
CB1
400
After LTP induction, these receptor currents are enhanced.
AMPAR
400
This autoimmune disease is characterized by ptosis (droopy eyelid), weakness of muscles, and caused by an immune reaction against endogenous AChRs.
Myesthenia Gravis
400
This drug, used to treat alcoholism, inhibits Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase, to decrease desire to drink.
Disulfiram
400
This region receives inputs from the magnocellular neurons in the hypothalamus, and directly release oxytocin and vasopressin into the blood stream.
Posterior pituitary
400
Stress-induced relapse of drug addiction is mainly mediated by this brain circuitry
The HPA-axis
triggers CRF and cortisol release, acts on VTA, which activates NAc, triggering similar pathways used during drug use.
500
Serotonin and Melatonin are synthesized from this amino-acid
Tryptophan
500
This disease is characterized by loss of Dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra Compacta (SNc)
Parkinson's disease
500
This plant contains atropine and scopolamine, and was once used to dilate pupils and redden cheeks for beauty. At higher doses, it also became used as poison.
Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)
500
The ascending touch pathway crosses the midline through this area
Medial Lemniscus
500
This drug of abuse is a sympathomimetic, causes pupil dilation, and can cause numbness, due to blocking sodium channels.
Cocaine