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Chapter 3: Problem 22

Cocaine has two effects on synaptic transmission: it impairs reuptake of dopamine and it causes more dopamine to be released into the synapse. Would cocaine be classified as an agonist or antagonist? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Cocaine would be classified as an agonist because it enhances the action of dopamine by impairing its reuptake and increasing its release into the synapse.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Basic Concepts

An agonist is a substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor. On the other hand, an antagonist hinders the function of the agonist. These are terms often used when discussing the actions of drugs on the brain. Cocaine in this context is the substance which is affecting the levels of dopamine, which is a type of neurotransmitter, in the synapse.
02

Actions of Cocaine

Cocaine impairs reuptake of dopamine which allows more dopamine to stay in the synapse longer than it usually would. This means that dopamine continues to act on the post-synaptic neurons, resulting in the post-synaptic neurons being more active. Moreover, cocaine also causes more dopamine to be released into the synapse which increases the activity even more.
03

Classification of Cocaine

Based on the actions described in Step 2, cocaine enhances the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, on the synapse. Therefore, cocaine acts as an agonist, not an antagonist since it facilitates and amplifies the activity of the dopamine, instead of blocking it.

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