How does alcohol affect the synapse?

Answer 1

THC, the main active substance of marijuana, activates the brain's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for blocking seizures and exaggerated neuronal communication. So one's synaptic transmission goes down first after smoking marijuana. If one smokes it often, then the endocannabinoid receptors in her/his synapses start to disappear. It happens because the brain is getting used to the THC extent it gets regularly, so it do not need that much receptors to have the same balance as before the THC.

If one do not have the normal extent of endocannabinoid receptors it could lead to epilepsy and other pathological problems.

Answer 2

This would depend on what drug you were talking about. Different drugs that target synapses may not target the same part, or may not even target the same type of synapse. For example, drugs like neostigmine target a synapse called the neuromuscular junction and increase binding of the neurotransmitter to itself receptor by preventing the enzyme from breaking the neurotransmitter down. Other drugs though inhibit the synapse instead of increasing activity, same synapse different effects by different drugs. This example is not between neurons as such, but the same principle applies.

Answer 3

Alcohol affects the synapses by slowing down the time it takes for synapses to fire. This messes up how fast signals are sent to the brain.

Answer 4

A drug alters the rate of transmission of im pulses by blocking some of the chemicals needed to send the impulses accros the junction of two neurone.

Answer 5

Nicotine decreases the release of dopamine.

Answer 6

cigarattes contain nicotine and others drugs influenicing brain and neurons.there by neuron endings(synapses).