Chemical Neurotransmitters
Each step in the sequence of events is a potential target for pharmacotherapy.
Currently psychotropic agent target:
- Neurotransmitters
- Receptors
- Enzymes
Neurotransmitters
- Chemicals that communicate information between neurons
- Released from presynaptic terminals by nerve impulses
- Can inhibit or excite receiving (post-synaptic) neuronal receptors
- Activate genes-Pharmacogenomics
Receptors
- Can be activated by medications or by endogenous chemicals called:
- NEUROTRANSMITTERS (NT)
- Receptors are named based on the associated NT
- These activate the receptor and the Second Messenger System goes to work to activate biological responses
Enzymes
- Enzyme inhibition has been a target for many psychotropics
- Inhibitors may be reversible or irreversible in nature
- Primary example = Antidepressants- Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- “Enzymes make things, receptors make things happen” via gene activation