PSY-365 Exam #4
Which two enzymes are involved in metabolizing alcohol into acetaldehyde and then acetic acid?
*Alcohol dehydrogenase* = breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde (nasty chemical) *Aldehyde dehydrogenase* = breaks down acetaldehyde into acetic acid
What are the three basic symptoms of an opiate overdose?
*Narcotics triad!* Coma Depressed respiration (breathing rate and depth of respiration decreases) Pinpoint pupils (very small)
What is the difference between the proof of alcohol compared to the percentage of alcohol?
*Proof* = 2x percentage In order to find the percentage you divide the proof by 2
What are some differences between Type I and Type II alcoholism?
*Type I* ∙Developed drinking problem later in life (25+) ∙Generally function well in society (maintaining a job, etc.) ∙Strong environmental factor (possible event that caused them to turn to alcohol) ∙Abstinence and binging *Type II* ∙Developed problem drinking before age 25 ∙Generally function poorly in society (getting into fights, getting arrested, losing their job, getting divorced) ∙Strong genetic factor ∙Binges rare (they drink more consistently and less likely to abstain and then binge)
What percentage of alcohol is metabolized in one hour? (hint: take a look at the blood alcohol concentration chart in your book).
.015% is metabolized every hour! each hour you need to multiply by .015 .015 x hour(s) = metabolized rate BAC - metabolized rate = actual BAC
What effects does alcohol have on the kidneys and what is antidiuretic hormone?
Antidiuretic hormone = produced in hypothalamus and released by the pituitary glands, helps keep water in the body Has effects on the kidneys Alcohol blocks the antidiuretic hormone, making kidneys release more water Alcohol increases urination, water gets flushed out Antidiuretic hormone is produced by hypothalamus and released by pituitary gland, it tells the kidneys how much water to conserve, alcohol blocks this hormone Increases blood pressure Swollen fingers and limbs
Which company first develop heroin and for what use was it marketed?
Bayer first marketed heroin in the mid-late 1800s as a cough suppressant (antitussive drug) and teething medication
Where do opiate drugs bind in the brain?
Binds to opioid receptors in the brain (found in a lot of different places in the brain - periaqueductal gray) Periaqueductal gray = part of the midbrain, a lot of opiate receptors, binds to these receptors to decrease pain
Opiate-based drugs
Contains acetaminophen in addition to the opiate-based drug Darvocet, percocet = contain opiates and also acetaminophen (found in Tylenol, pain killer)
Review the basics of the fermentation process.
Converting sugars to alcohol using yeast The process of making wine, converting natural sugars into ethyl alcohol by the action of yeasts Natural sugars = honey, berries, corn, rye, apple, rice, etc. When it's all mixed together, the yeast consumes (breaks down) the sugar Every molecule of sugar that gets consumed turns into two molecules of alcohol and one carbon dioxide molecule As the yeast consumes the sugar, produces a fermented product with 12-14% alcohol Doesn't get stronger because once the alcohol gets concentrated enough, it kills the yeast No more yeast = no more fermentation
What are nitrites, how are they used, and what do they do to the body?
Does NOT target brain Chemicals that dilate blood vessels and relax muscles Increases blood flow by dilating blood vessels Primary use = sexual enhancers Increases risk of tumors, more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, unsafe decrease in blood pressure
What is the primary mechanism of action in the brain for alcohol?
Dual model = alcohol is going to facilitate (increase) inhibitory neurotransmitters, and decrease excitatory neurotransmitters Non-specific model of action = decreases neurotransmitter release all of the brain, resulting in central nervous system depression (thought to make membranes of the neurons swell up, tightening the membranes to the point where they can't release neurotransmitters) -------------------- A drugs such as alcohol blocks the release of glutamate causing the terminal buttons to swell by reducing the excitation of the brain Alcohol can pass through membranes and neurons in your brain, can lead to the swelling of the terminal buttons If they swell, it might reduce the number of transmitters being released from the terminal buttons Might suppress release of neurotransmitters and function as a central nervous system depressant
What are some basic effects that inhalants such as solvents and aerosols can have on the brain?
Effects heart, bone marrow, brain In brain: loss of white matter, atrophy in the brain, brain gets smaller, brain loses neurons Toluene can build up in the brain, not good
Which liver diseases are typically observed in alcoholics?
Fatty liver (fat deposits in the liver) Alcohol hepatitis (liver inflammation) Alcohol cirrhosis (scarring and deterioration of liver cells - cells are dying, 7th leading cause of death in the U.S.)
How is first pass metabolism affected by drinking on an empty stomach?
For alcohol, first-pass metabolism occurs in the stomach Longer alcohol stays in stomach, more metabolization occurs Empty stomach = content of stomach gets emptied quickly into small intestines Thus: when drinking on an empty stomach, alcohol doesn't sit in the stomach for a long time, quickly passed into small intestine where it gets absorbed into the bloodstream 15%-20% more alcohol gets absorbed With an empty stomach first pass metabolism is lowered and alcohol goes directly into blood stream First-pass metabolism gets bypassed, therefore you get more of what you drink into the blood stream On a full stomach = alcohol stays in stomach longer, more exposure to alcohol dehydrogenase, more gets metabolized, 15-20% never makes it to small intestine and gets broken down
What are nociceptive receptors and what do they do?
Found mostly in the skin (other places too!) Free nerve endings that respond to pain and temperature Free nerve endings for pain (sharp pain and dull pain) Free nerve endings for temperature (heat or cold)
What was thought to be another use for GHB?
Gamma-hydroxybutyric-acid (GHB) used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass We all have GHB in our brain naturally, GHB gets converted into GABA
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Happens when people drink for long periods of time When they are not even drinking they begin to have memory problems, confusion, and coordination Seen in chronic alcoholics
How is heroin chemically different from morphine?
Heroin = two acetyl groups attached to morphine It is more fat soluble so more of it is able to get into the brain (and faster) as morphine
Why is heroin more powerful than morphine?
Heroin has easier time getting across blood brain barrier Once across BBB, acetyl groups fall off making heroin turn into morphine Heroin just means more morphine gets into the brain and faster!
What basic symptoms are seen in heroin withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal is like an extremely bad case of the flu *Early symptoms (within 6-16 hours)* ∙Craving, anxiety, perspiration, runny nose, teary eyes, increased pupil dilation, goosebumps (piloerection), tremors, hot/cold flashes, body aches, loss of appetite *Next symptoms (within 14-36 hours)* ∙Above symptoms worsen ∙Insomnia, high blood pressure, hyperthermia, increased pulse and respiration, nausea *Next symptoms (within 36-48 hours - when it really hits the person)* ∙Above symptoms worsen ∙Fetal position, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, spontaneous orgasm, increased blood sugar levels ∙Gradually these symptoms minimize over time ∙Can be fatal if someone were to become extremely dehydrated from throwing up
What are some potential positive health benefits of drinking small quantities of alcohol?
Increase HDL (good cholesterol) and reduces LDL (bad cholesterol), reducing risk of heart disease Reduces risk of stroke (anticoagulant - thins the blood, platelets) Reduces risk of diabetes mellitus Reduces risk of dementia *Because alcohol thins the blood, it decreases the risk of stroke, heart attack and one type of dementia that is related to blood vessel problems in the brain* Note: benefits are associated with moderate levels of alcohol consumption only (maybe one glass of wine a day)
What effects are inhalants such as aerosols and solvents thought to have on neurotransmitters?
Inhalants block the release of neurotransmitters Decrease the release of neurotransmitters
What is the drug Antabuse used for and how does it work?
Inhibits (blocks) acetaldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme If taken, not going to be able to metabolize acetaldehyde into acetic acid very efficiently So acetaldehyde build up in the body = makes them sick, red, nauseous, hot after drinking Theory = make the person think drinking is not good because of side effects Supposed to be a deterrent Not the case! Works for some people, doesn't work for others People that are prescribed this often do not take it Can't use other products that contain alcohol (mouth wash, cough medicine, etc.)
What are some risks associated with the abuse of nitrous oxide?
Irregular and rapid heart rhythm Sudden sniffing death syndrome *Asphyxiation (decrease of oxygen in the blood)* Suffocation Choking Fatal injuries Damage to myelin Neurotoxicity (toxic to brain) Damage to organs (significant issues)
Which three drugs were discussed in class as being used as date rape drugs?
Ketamine (Ketalar; Ketasel) Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) Gamma-hydroxybutyric-acid (GHB)
Be able to recognize characteristics of alcoholism.
Lack of control over drinking Preoccupation with drinking Continued use despite consequences Distortions in thinking Vocational, social, and family problems Emotional problems (depression) Physical problems (organ damage) Symptoms of withdrawal
What is delirium tremens?
Life threatening alcohol withdrawal syndrome that peaks 2-5 days after the last drink Extreme disorientation Sweating Fever Frightening hallucinations Delusions
What effect does alcohol have on body temperature?
MYTH: alcohol warms you up in a cold environment... not true! Alcohol makes blood vessels bigger and closer to the skin Since it is closer to skin, blood gets cooled down more than when it is not close to the skin Increased heat loss in cold weather, cools body temperature When people are in a cold environment, the body tends to lose heat when drinking because it dilates blood vessels in the body
Are there any differences in alcoholism rates based on gender?
Males are more likely to become alcoholics Type 2 more common in men, more related to heritability Type 1 more common in women, less genetic influence
What are endorphins?
Natural brain pain killers Endorphins are natural chemicals made in the brain that bind to opioid receptors and block pain They deplete with larger injuries which is why other opioid medications may be used to supplement and block pain Natural opiate-like chemicals, when the body is injured or running hard your body releases natural pain killers to deal with that pain, doesn't hurt too bad at first then hurts much more later on, overtime body uses up all of the natural pain killers and that's when you need to be using opiate-based medication to manage the pain
For what purpose was nitrous oxide originally developed?
Nitrous oxide = laughing gas Before used medically, used recreationally First used as an alternative to alcohol for recreational purposes (such at parties) Took place in late 1700s/1800s
What is the difference between opiates, opiate derivatives, synthetic opiates? (you do not need to memorize the names of any specific opiate derivatives or synthetic opiates)
Opiates = chemicals found in opium (morphine, codeine) Opiate derivatives (opioids = not found in opium) = drugs that are derived from morphine not opium (heroin, etc.) Synthetic opiates = completely human-made
What are the three basic effects that opiate drugs can have on the body?
Pain relief (analgesics) Treating intestinal disorders (dysentery and constipation) Cough suppressant (antitussive)
What are whippets?
People using and abusing nitrous oxide through inhalation Short high, feel high in seconds, person recovers in minutes Old-school way (container) to make whip cream, didn't put cream into the container, just inhaled the nitrous oxide Can be put into a balloon, take hits off of the balloon to get high Hit after hit causes oxygen depletion in the body Some people put a mask on their face and connect the mask to a nitrous oxide tank, can render one unconscious Hypoxia
What are the three basic characteristics of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Pre- and/or postnatal growth deficiency Distinct pattern of facial dysmorphology (smooth philtrum aka upper lip has no groove, flattened midface, epicanthal folds aka folds in corner of the eyes) CNS dysfunction (cognitive/IQ deficits, behavioral impairment, anomalies in neuroanatomy)
Review the various types of drugs given during general anesthesia.
Pre-anesthesia sedative (drug to calm them down) Narcotic (opiate-based drug given for pain) Muscle paralysis (paralyzed during general anesthesia, prevents muscle twitches) IV anesthetic Anesthetic gas Volatile liquids (inhaled as gas) Intubation (endotracheal tube down to help the person breathe and keep their oxygen levels up while undergoing general anesthesia)
What other drug is similar to Rohypnol?
Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine Rohypnol is 7-10 times stronger Valium, can render someone unconscious Valium is a pretty strong benzodiazepine Valium is given before surgery, etc.
What is facial dysmorphology?
Smooth philtrum (upper lip has no groove) Flattened midface Epicanthal folds (folds in corner of the eyes)
How does the dual model suggest that general anesthetics work in the brain?
Suggests that these drugs have a specific inhibitory effect on excitatory neurotransmitters *Decrease activity of excitatory neurotransmitters (such as glutamate, acytecolyne) Excite/stimulate inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA, glacyne)* Ex: block glutamate (excitatory)= decrease in brain activity Ex: stimulate/increase GABA (inhibitory)= decrease in brain activity
What are some potential causes of a hangover following too much alcohol ingestion?
Symptoms (headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, thirst) *When your body has a lot of alcohol, can't keep up with the acetaldehyde, high levels of acetaldehyde cause hangover symptoms* *Stomach irritation* Low blood sugar *Dehydration* *Congeners (products in alcohol for color, taste)* Prescription drugs can cause further irritation to the stomach, might have a hard time stopping bleeding because both thin the blood Increased likelihood of cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal/inconsistent heart rate)
What is sudden sniffing death syndrome?
Takes a hit and dies almost instantly Due to bad cardiac rhythms, leading to cardiac arrest
Review the basics of the distillation process.
The process of making liquor, by boiling a fermented liquid then cooling it, to produce a higher alcohol content Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water Alcohol will boil but not the water, forms steam/mist, travels through tube and cools, turns into liquid on the other side Basically removing water from the alcohol, creating a highly concentrated product Wind up with a very concentrated level of alcohol because all of the water is left behind
What is first pass metabolism?
When a drug is broken down by the body before it ever hits the bloodstream First pass metabolism - amount of alcohol metabolized before entering the blood stream 15%-20% never reaches blood stream because it is metabolized For alcohol, first-pass metabolism occurs in the stomach Longer alcohol stays in stomach, more metabolization occurs
How do you calculate how much alcohol is in a particular beverage (e.g. a glass of wine vs. a can of beer)?
ounces in the beverage x percentage of alcohol = alcohol in a particular beverage A 5 oz glass of wine with 12% alcohol 5 x .12 = .6 oz A 12 oz can of beer with 5% alcohol 12 x .05 = .6 oz A 1.5 oz shot of liquor with 40% alcohol 1.5 x .40 = .6 oz
