How does an understanding of how the synapse works inform ef

How does an understanding of how the synapse works inform efforts to develop treatments for substance abuse? Can you provide a couple of examples of treatments that have been developed for specific substance abuse problems based on knowledge of how those drugs interact at the synapse?

Solution

Synapse is the junction between axon of one neuron and dendrite of another neuron or the target organ. These neurons communicate with the help of chemical mediators called as “neurotransmitters” or by means of electrical impulses. When these neurotransmitters bind to the post synaptic neuron or affector organ, they produce response either in the form of releasing another neurotransmitter or a physiological response.

Knowing about the synapses at which the specific neurotransmitters or drugs are acting helps to develop molecules that inhibit their effect. For example, morphine binds to the alpha, kappa and mu receptors present in the CNS. Naloxone or naltrexone is a morphine antagonist that prevent morphine from bind with the receptors by competing with for the receptors.

Buprenorphine is another drug approved by FDA for the treatment of morphine addiction. It competes with morphine for the Mu receptors and produces partial agonistic effect.