PSYC 2240 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: 5-Ht2A Receptor, Dopamine Transporter, Methadone
Document Summary
Explain what the blood brain barrier is and how it works. List three types of drugs that bind to neuron receptors and the specific types of receptors they bind to. Describe the major chemical events that take place in the synapse. The mechanism that keeps most chemicals out of the vertebrate brain. Needed because brain lacks the type of immune system present in the rest of the body. Forms a wall that keeps out most viruses, bacteria and harmful chemicals. When viruses do enter like the rabies virus, it can infect the brain and lead to death. Cells are packed together, harder for anything to pass through. Poses difficulty in medicine because it is very specific in what it lets through, so it blocks out certain types of medicine. Can also attach neurons that release dopamine, resulting in increased dopamine. Hallucinogenic drugs: binds to serotonin type 2a (5-ht2a) receptors, provide stimulation at inappropriate times.
