Foundational Neuroscience

G-coupled proteins are transmembrane proteins which act as receptors when activated by stimuli such as neurotransmitters from outside cells, allowing for communication between neurons within the central nervous system (CNS). Ion gated channels on the other hand are integral membrane proteins which form pores through cell membranes allowing for movement or transport of charged or uncharged ions across them (Berg et al., 2002). The difference between G-proteins and ion gated channels is significant since G-proteins control second messenger systems whereas ion gated channels control ion flow through electrochemical gradients across cell membranes. Epigenetics is an important concept in pharmacology as it describes how gene expression can be altered without changing any genetic sequence information. Through processes such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation/methylation and noncoding RNA mediated gene silencing epigenetic mechanisms can alter gene expression resulting in changes to cellular pathways involved with many different disease states including depression, addiction and schizophrenia (Deng & Wang 2018). These alterations may explain why medications often show variable efficacy between individuals even when using similar drugs at similar dosages; this variability may be due to individual differences in genetic makeup combined with epigenetic modifications present due to environmental factors such as lifestyle choices. In conclusion, understanding how different drugs interact with neurochemical targets within our bodies gives us insight into how best we might utilise therapies offered by psychotropic medications available today whilst taking into account individual differences present amongst patients receiving treatment so that more effective treatments may be developed for those suffering from mental health issues worldwide. References Berg JM Tymoczko JL Stryer L 2002 Biochemistry 5th ed New York W H Freeman Chu D Irwin M Miller AH 2013 Partial Inverse Agonism Drugs Mol Interv 11 4 194–205 DOI 1018298/13811930201300400002 Deng Y Wang X 2018 Epigenetics Pharmacology Rev 70 3 1–17 DOI 10211097 / PHE 00000237 PMID 29782869

Sample Solution

The agonist-to-antagonist spectrum of action of psychopharmacologic agents includes a range of drug activities that can be divided into three broad categories: agonists, antagonists and partial or inverse agonists. Agonists are chemicals that bind to the same receptor sites as the natural ligand, causing an increase in the activity of these receptors by activating them. Antagonists bind to the same receptor sites as agonists but block their activity instead, while partial or inverse agonists have a weaker affinity than either but still activate some parts of the same receptors site. This means that they can both activate and inhibit certain aspects of receptor function depending on the dosage and specific combination used (Chu et al., 2013).