PSYC62H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Delirium Tremens, Brainstem, Amnesia
Document Summary
Alcohol acts directly on ionotropic gaba(a) receptors which produce inhibitor effects on neurons. When gaba acts on gaba(a) receptors, the channels open and cause charged cl to enter neurone which hyper polarizes the neuron inhibiting neuronal activity. This is positive modulation where the length of receptor activation increases as well as the ow of cl. Gaba(a) receptors in the cns effect the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus. (important in info process and memory)! First, alcohol facilitates gaba(a) receptors in nucleus accumbens (causes reinforcing effects) then alcohol activates gaba(a) receptors located on gaba neurons in the ventral tegmental area (causes reduced gaba release, decreases inhibition of dopamine neurone). Gaba by increasing levels of opioid b endorphin which inhibit opioid receptors on the gaba neurone, diminishing gaba release. 1: gaba(a) receptors become less affected by alcohol, alcohol produces a lower increase in b endorphin levels (resulting in less inhibition of gaba reduces number of gaba neurons! neurone)!
