active compounds called, cannabinoids, found in Cannabis (Wallace et al. 2001). The two most acknowledged compounds is -9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive. THC is the dominant psychoactive compound in Cannabis. The ratio of these compounds correlate to the therapeutic effects in contrast to the psychoactive effects when levels of THC is higher. Both THC and CB have anticonvulsant properties (Wallace et al. 2001). Cannabinoid receptors are extensively dispersed
shall first explore the normal function of the system and further on go into how tetrahydrocannibol induces its pharmacological effects. Endocannabinoid System The endocannabinoid system is defined as a group of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors in the brain that are concerned in a range of physiological processes such as appetite, pain-sensation, psychomotor behavior, wake/sleep cycles and memory. It processes the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Figure 1: Events at the neuron terminal
ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The structure of THC is very similar to the endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids for short, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the body (1).The THC binds to the receptors of the endocannabinoids, and activates the neurons, causing the different sensations experienced during a high. These receptors are spread throughout the brain. THC affects the central nervous system, as well as the peripheral tissue systems. THC can
chemotherapy, and as an appetite stimulant for AIDS patients. Recreationally, it is the most widely used illicit drug, especially among adolescents. The main psychoactive component of marijuana is (9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other prominent cannabinoids include cannabidiol, cannabinol, and (9-tetrahydrocannabinic acid. Together, these compounds contribute to various behavioral and cognitive changes, which can slightly differ based on the route of preparation and administration (Farthing 1992)
Do we take things for granted, how far have we come enough in our advancement in medicine? Its sad to know that nowadays drugs are a common item that we as people intake whether they be legal or illegal the benefits we receive from them can at times be positive and negative. Most know drugs can and will affect not only our body but your lives as well. We as people seem to do things at first without knowing the risk that comes along with doing and acting about certain ways which is essentially the
more than 60 cannabinoid compounds, but the primary psychoactive compound is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Gaoni & Mechoulam, 1964). Howlett and Colleagues found that cannabinoids inhibit the enzyme that synthesizes cyclic AMP in cultured nerve cells. As many receptors relay their signals to the cell interior by changing cellular cyclic AMP, this evidence suggests that cannabinoids were not just dissolving nonspecifically in membranes, but rather acting through their own receptors (Howlett et
The debate on Medical marijuana has been a controversial subject mainly because people have an abundance of opinions and very little scientific research to back up either side of the debate. The most important question here is “will medical marijuana be used for medical purposes or will it be used inappropriately?” Unlike a person who uses marijuana for medicine or entertainment, some people use marijuana as a means for income. Honestly marijuana sales is a very profitable business but the problem
Investigating the Solubility of Table Salt in Distilled Water at Different Temperatures The aim of this essay is to explain and discuss the drug cannabis and its effects in relation to biochemical, behavioural and psychological factors. The introduction will outline a brief history relating to the drug and include both the medicinal and recreational purposes of its use. The main discussion will explain how the drug chemistry affects the nervous system emphasising what neurotransmitter is
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. The main ingredient that gets you “high” is THC. Tetra Hydra Cannabinol or “THC” is a chemical responsible for the euphoria and psychoactive effects. There are 3 types of Cannabis plants and they all server their different purposes. Indica is described by marijuana users to be very relaxing and produces sedative effects. The Indica Cannabis plant leaves are short and stubby. Sativa on the other hand produces opposite effects. Marijuana
a single molecule that is a drug like alcohol or cocaine. There is a mixture of about 400 different chemical elements. There are about 85 cannabinoids that are unique to pot. The main cannabinoid is THC that is the main chemical in marijuana that triggers the drugs actions and effects on the body. (A) Some people who smoke their brains have more receptors to the THC than other people and that will affect the experience the users will have with THC to get the high. (b) THC is the chemical that
several different types of compounds known as cannabinoids. The main component in these compounds that is responsible for cannabis' psychoactive qualities is "∆9 - tetrahydrocannabinol", or THC (Amar, 2006). Cannabinoids function by binding to two receptors, CB1 and CB2. These receptors inhibit cAMP formation and calcium channels, as well as initiate the opening of potassium channels (Meyer and Quezner). There are three different types of cannabinoid receptor antagonists that have been discovered, including
part of exorbitant sums. Case in point, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals can be fatal for the individuals who are unfavorably susceptible or who overdose. Then again, weed overdose has never been a sole reported reason for death; the measure of cannabinoids needed to have a deadly impact are more than 40,000 times the essential measurement for inebriation, making it exceptionally impossible that an individual would have the capacity to or might accomplish such a packed sum in their circulatory system
important roles in inter-neuronal communication. Receptor sites are made up of proteins and the ion channels in the cell membranes are proteins. The link between the receptor sites and the protein channels sometimes is the guanine nucleotide-binding protein, better known as G Protein. (1) The basic structure and function of these shall be explored in the following. In order for neuron communication to occur, the post-synaptic neuron must have receptor sites for the neurotransmitters released by the
(138). Dwarfism, according to the Greenberg Center, is the result of a genetic condition caused by a new mutation or a genetic change.In 1994, the Center reports that the gene for achondroplasia was found and labeled “fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3).”This discovery of at least one cause of dwarfism was a breakthrough because dwarfs in the past were simply regarded as inexplicable freaks.But now there is biological evidence of a gene, in which,“the mutation, affecting growth, especially
effects on many organs and tissues. The Insulin Receptor and Mechanism of Action Like the receptors for other protein hormones, the receptor for insulin is embedded in the plasma membrane. The insulin receptor is composed of two alpha subunits and two beta subunits linked by disulfide bonds. The alpha chains are entirely extracellular and house insulin binding domains, while the linked beta chains penetrate through the plasma membrane. The insulin receptor is a tyrosine kinase. In other words, it functions
creating pressure waves in the endolymph inside the cochlear duct. These waves then causes the membrane to vibrate, which in turn cause the hairs cells of the spiral organ to move against the tectorial membrane. The bending of the stereo cilia produces receptor potentials that in the end lead to the generation of nerve impulses. The External or Outer Ear - comprises of the auricle or pinna which is the fleshy part of the outer ear. It is cup-shaped and collects and amplifies sound waves which then passes
In John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums, the reader is introduced to the seemingly timid and shy Elisa Allen. Elisa is routinely planting her yearly sets of Chrysanthemums, which appear to be the sole receptor of her caring and gentle touch, but all the while it is evident that “the chrysanthemum stems seemed too small and easy for her energy.” Her hidden eagerness seems not only out of place, but out of touch with her dry and wilted surroundings, of which her husband, Henry, abruptly interrupts her
hallucinogens) stimulate 5-HT2A receptors (Kalat, 2004). Activation of these receptors causes cortical glutamate levels to increase. This is presumed to be a result of a "presynaptic receptor-mediated release" from neurons in the thalumus (Nichols, 2004). Early studies proposed that LSD antagonized the effects of serotonin on peripheral tissues. It was later proposed that the psychoactive properties of LSD may be a result of the blocking of serotonin receptors in the central nervous system
and deepening of the voice. The hormone produces these results when it is absorbed from the bloodstream by certain types of cells. Molecules of testosterone fit into receptor sites located inside the cells, just as a key fits into a lock. When the receptor site is filled , the cell is activated. There are a certain number of receptor sites in each cell. If only a few them get filled, the cell will respond at a low level. If all of these sites are filled, the cell produces its maximum response (http://www
of light that focus on specific places on the retina. This light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye consists of interconnected neurons. The three diff erent types are receptor cells, bipolar cells and ganglian cells. When photoreceptors are stimulated, they change in structure of photopigments in the receptors and transduce light input into neural activity. (2) Electrical stimulus trave ls down the axon of bipolar cells to the ganglian cells. The ganglian cells are activated through nerve