Chapter 1 Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology

Chapter 1 Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology largely the story of chemical neurotransmission - Modern psychopharmacology is Anatomically, chemically, and electrically - neurotransmission can be described as Neurons (nerve cells) - Anatomical neurotransmission occurs through axoaxonic synapse - synapse between axon of one neuron and axon of another neuron axodendritic synapse - between axon terminals of one neuron and dendrites of others axosomatic synapse - axon terminal ends on cell body (soma) axoaxonic, axodendritic, axosomatic synapses - Axoaxonic- The strongest signal. "The brakes" axon connecting to another axon. They can increase or decrease the effect of axodendritic signals by opening and closing Ca2+ channels. Axodendritic- Most common but also the weakest. Axon connecting to the dendrite of another cell. Axosomatic- axon of one cell connecting to the soma of another. Axosomatic is not selective in inhibition, it will block a signal from all dendrites on the cell where as axodendritic will only block the effects from one synapse. neuron malfunction - behavioral symptoms may occur when drugs alter the neuronal function - behavioral symptoms may be relieved, worsen, or be produced en passant synapse - axon stimulates a synapse secondarily on its way to another neuron Serotonin (5HT), Norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA (yaminobutyric acid) - Six key neurotransmitter systems B-endorphin - a neurotransmitter that serves as a natural painkiller Anandamide - endogenous cannabinoid The striatum (basal ganglia) - has dopamine reuptake pumps in abundance basal ganglia function - Direct input from frontal lobe, facilitates motor movements, inhibits unneeded movements Spatial-temporal aspects of speech