HeroinAnna Markarova Julia BatailleGeorgia Klein

Heroin

• Comes from the seedpod of the opium poppy plant• Processed from morphine• It’s a depressant that inhibits the central nervous system and affects the

brains ability to feel pain• Usually appears as white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance• Can be injected, sorted/sniffed, or smoked

Presynaptic Neuron (non-activated)

Before opioid receptor activation, Calcium channels are open and the K channels are closed. The seven transmembrane receptors are G protein coupled receptors

Presynaptic Neuron(activated)

• Once morphine is attached the K channels open and Calcium channels close

• Morphine has a greater affinity for the Mu opioid receptor than the gamma and delta

• Decrease in glutamine, Ach, NE, 5-HT, and substance P

Cell Signaling Pathways

• Once heroin enters the brain it is converted into morphine and attaches to receptors in the brain known as opioid receptors

• These receptors are found in many areas of the brain, especially those involved in the perception of pain and reward, also found in brain stem

• Opioid receptors are classified into two categories, classical and non-classic

• Opioid receptors are 7 transmembrane receptors

Types of Receptors

• Opioid receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with opiates as ligands

• Large protein family of receptors that sense molecules outside the cell and active signal transduction pathways

• A ligand is a chemical signal that binds to a receptor protein• GABA inhibits the release of dopamine Heroin mimics this and inhibits the

release of GABA • 3 receptors types:

• Mu: Functions: analgesia, antidepressant, physical dependence• Delta:Functions: anticonvulsant effects, dysphoria, miosis, sedation• Kappa:Functions:respiratory depression, euphoria, physical

dependence

Signal Transduction Pathways

• GPCRs are the surface receptors that alter intracellular functions to create a response.

• Receptors changes receptor protein in some way, which causes transduction.

• Heroin binds to the receptors and blocks GABA from being released

• Dopamine is released since GABA isn’t there to inhibit its production

• Dopamine is released and attaches to the dopamine receptors.

Signal Transduction

Pathways

Effects of Heroin

• Morphine mimics endorphins, which are responsible for reducing pain, causing sleepiness, and feelings of pleasure. They can be released by pain, exercise, orgasm, or excitement

• Activation of opioid receptors associate with analgesia, sedation, euphoria, physical dependence, and respiratory depression.

• Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, fatal overdose, abortion, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

• Chronic users may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, liver or kidney disorders.

Correct Mechanism

• Dopamine naturally occurs in the body • It’s released when native opiate binds to a

receptor site and continues on the same way to release dopamine

Direction of Research

Research has found a way to reduce the chances of addiction to heroin by blocking the TLR4 because it helps to increase the effect of endorphins.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/15/researches-find-way-to-block-heroin-morphine-addiction/

DONT DO DRUGS