1. The Physiology and epigenetics of Methamphetamine Thomas Crawford Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Avondale NC

3. Types of Neurons Sensory neurons (Skin and internal organs) Motor Neurons (locomotion of muscles) Interneurons (neuron to neuron communication that routes and distributes signals.

4. Neural junctions

5. Reflex

6. What is a synapse or synaptic gap?

7. Ways that drugs can interfere with synaptic activity. Interfere with neurotransmitter synthesis Alter the rate of neurotransmitter release (Botulism prevents ACh from releasing) Prevent neurotransmitter inactivation (Sarin gas) (Cocaine dopamine re-uptake inhibitor) Prevents neurotransmitter from binding to receptors. (Nicotine)

8. Some synapses are electrical. In fact, at first, all were thought to be electrical. Electrical synapses are difficult to regulate and control.

9. Neurotransmitter defined acetylcholine (ACh)-found in great concentrations where neurons act upon muscles. Curare norepinephrine and epinephrine-(biogenic amines) generate action potentials in the CNS, smooth and cardiac muscles. dopamine-(biogenic amine) stimulates neurons and is involved in memory, mood and motor cooridnaton Cocaine inhibits dopamine removal from synapse Meth increases dopamine release from neurons serotonin-(biogenic amine) involved in mood, rhythms. Inadequate production involved in depression.

10. Crawford W. Long 1842 or so

11. AMINO ACID NEUROTRANSMITTES Glutamate Excitatory in invertebrate neuromuscular junction. Aspartate Excitatory CNS Glycine inhibitory CNS GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) inhibitory in invertebrate neuromuscular junction.

12. Gaseous Signals of the Nervous System NO nitric oxide (signals walls of blood vessels of relax and dilate. Nitroglycerin with enzymes convert nitroglycerin to NO which dilate the blood vessels that supply the cardiac muscle.

14. endorphins Are neuropeptides (short chains of amino acids) that serve as neurotransmitters and decrease the perception of pain by the CNS. Endorphins may decrease urine output, depress respiration, produce euphoria…

15. Morphine and heroin Opiate-like polypeptides in the brain Candace PertSolomon Snyder

16. Blood Brain Barrier

17. Inhibitory neurotransmitters Suppress nerve action

18. Comparison of Mechanisms of Meth and Nicotine NICOTINE Mimics and thus replaces acetylcholine causing “pleasure center” in the brain to release dopamine. METH Floods nerve cell internally causing release of dopamine into the neural synapse.

20. EFFECTS OF METH Short term Increased attention/activity Decreased fatigue Euphoria and rush Increased autonomic activities (heart rate/respiratory rate) Long term Addiction Paranoia Hallucinations Mood swings Repetitive motor activity Weight loss

21. Long term animal research (20 years) shows that high doses of meth damage the cell ending (synaptic terminals) of dopamine and serotonin receptive neurons.

23. Meth backpack and Laurens County Meth bust.

24. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Holiday Lecture Series Exploring biodiversity: The Search For New Medicines. Viral Outbreak: The Science of Emerging Diseases. Free on DVD April 11 th www.biointeractive.org