An agonist is an exogenous substrate that bind to receptors causing a biologic response (Merck, 2018). For this discussion, the exogenous substrates are drugs that affect the neuronal communications. The agonists produce a conformational change in the G-protein receptors that signal the synthesis of a second messenger (Stahl, 2013). Another way that drugs can affect neuronal communication is boosting the levels of a natural full agonist neurotransmitter (Stahl, 2013). A full agonist neuroreceptor occupies all or a fraction of receptors that results in the maximum response. A partial agonist causes lesser response while occupying all receptors. Foundational neuroscience discussion essay examples.
In some cases, this process can cause problems. Excess amounts of dopamine is thought to contribute to agitation, and, in one case, the death of an infant (Greenberg, 1984). In these cases, using an antagonist is recommended (Stahl, 2013). There are four types of drug antagonism: chemical, physiological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacologic. Using another drug to block excess dopamine is an example of chemical antagonism. When two drugs have different actions at the same receptor cancel each other out that is a physiological antagonism (Merck, 2018). Pharmacokinetic antagonism is when one drug due to absorption, distribution, or rate of elimination is suppressed. Pharmacologic antagonism occurs when the action of a full or partial agonist is inhibited in the pathway or at the receptor (Merck, 2018). The antagonist drugs create no action but are only inhibitory (Stahl, 2013) Foundational neuroscience discussion essay examples.
G-couple-proteins vs. ion-gated channels
Neural transduction relies on chemical messengers in a cascade of reactions that are compared to express routes. (Stahl, 2013). The G-couple-proteins and ion-gated channels are two of four primary sites of transduction. The G-couple-proteins span the membrane of the neuron seven times, and each span forms around a central core where it binds to a neurotransmitter. A drug can interact at any of the transmembrane sites in the body and depending on the drug can cause several reactions. (Stahl, 2013). Ion-gated channels are transmembrane openings where the passage of neurotransmitters is gated by the electrical charges of the neurotransmitter. Ion channels can make drugs easier or harder to open (Stahl, 2013) Foundational neuroscience discussion essay examples. While G-couple-proteins and ion-gated channels both rely on the first messenger to be chemical, ion-gated channels, the second messenger can be a chemical or a positively charged ion like calcium or sodium.
Epigenetics in pharmacologic action
Epigenetics is the study of how genes are expressed from both our personalities and the environment (Cholewa-Waclaw, J., Bird, A., von Schimmelmann, M., Schaefer, A., Yu, H., Song, H., … Tsai, L.-H. 2016). This is due to the complex chemical changes that allow the gene to be expressed or repressed. One possible result is that the stress response system (SRS) of the organism can affect gene expression as the body struggles to maintain homeostasis. Foundational neuroscience discussion essay examples Stress over a period of years negatively influences the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems and can lead to depression, addiction, accidents from poor concentration, and learning Cholewa-Waclaw et.al 2016).
Epigenetics in a way is the genes in your brain tell a body’s story. Stahl (2008). Depending on the person, the story can be a tale of happiness or a tale of drug addiction, trauma, and violence. From the formation of the neural tube in utero and the external environment of maternal nutrition affects the development of a healthy brain is where the story begins. The story continues as memories are formed in the hippocampus. One possible way to attain homeostasis is medications that create feelings of trust and safety. Foundational neuroscience discussion essay examples.
Implications for prescribing with example
The drugs prescribed for disorders of the brain and nervous system carry the potential for lifetime consequences and are not met to be taken lightly. Any assessments with these kinds of medications need to be extensive and both client and loved ones need to educated.
A 36-year-old male admitted to the local psychiatric hospital. During his first admission, he is given lamotrigine (trade name Lamictal) for bipolar symptoms. Lamotrigine is a voltage-gated channel blocker (ion-gated channel) (Stahl, 2017). His symptoms improved, and he is discharged. However, a few months later, he is readmitted and is put back on the Lamotrigine. Soon after, he develops a fever (39 C) that the medical doctor treated with acetaminophen and antibiotics without physically assessing the client. Two
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