Specific neural disorders

Overall, the next twenty years hold great potential for us to dissociate neural markers that underlie trait versus state which is essential for a comprehensive understanding of dopamine s involvement in specific neuropsychiatric disorders. 

Taken together, these studies suggest that drugs specifically modulating the activity or expression of these distinct receptor pools could impact the treatment of anxiety and affective disorders. Further studies with conditional 5-HT1A-R mouse mutants will further our understanding of the role this receptor plays in regulating the neural circuitry of affective behavior. 

Fig. 7.11 The main common features of the different modeling approaches for computer simulations of mental disorders, hormone release and neural discharges. Despite significant differences in details and several additional components in the specific models, the principle dynamics originate from a combination of positive and negative feedback loops. The necessary ingredients are ...

In some types of rhythm disorders, antiar-rhythmics of the local anesthetic, Na+-channel blocking type are used for both prophylaxis and therapy. These substances block the Na+ channel responsible for the fast depolarization of nerve and muscle tissues. Therefore, the elicitation of action potentials is impeded and impulse conduction is delayed. This effect may exert a favorable influence in some forms of arrhythmia, but can itself act arrhythmogenically. Unfortunately, antiarrhythmics of the local anesthetic, Na+-channel blocking type lack suf -cient specificity in two respects (1) other ion channels of cardiomyocytes, such as K1 and Ca+ channels, are also affected (abnormal QT prolongation) and (2) their action is not restricted to cardiac muscle tissue but also impacts on neural tissues and brain cells. Adverse effects on the heart include production of arrhythmias and lowering of heart rate, AV conduction, and systolic force. CNS side effects are manifested by vertigo, giddiness, disorientation, confusion, motor disturbances, etc. 

Dni used for the management of convulsive disorders are called anticonvulsants. Most anticonvulsants have specific uses, tliat is, tliey are of value only in the treatment of certain types of seizure disorders. There are five types of dru used as anticonvulsants barbiturates, benzodiazepines, hydantoins, oxazolidinediones, and tlie succinimides. In addition, several miscellaneous dni are used as anticonvulsants. All possess the ability to depress abnonnal neural discharges in tlie central nervous system (CNS), resulting in an inhibition of seizure activity. Dni tliat control generalized tonic-clonic seizures are not effective for absence (petit mal) seizures. If botli conditions are present, combined drug tlierapy is required. 

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