Opinion Article - Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Chemical Science (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

The chemistry of psychostimulants and neurotransmitter transporters

Ellen Paul ^*

Department of Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada

*Corresponding Author:

Ellen Paul
Department of Psychopharmacology Unit,
University Health Network,
Toronto, Canada
E-mail: ellen@paul02.ca

Received: 28-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAPCCS-23-97202; Editor assigned: 31-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AAPCCS-23-97202(PQ); Reviewed: 14-Apr-2023, QC No. AAPCCS-23-97202; Revised: 18-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAPCCS-23-97202; Published: 25-Apr-2023, DOI:10.35841/aapccs-7.2.142

Citation: Paul E. The chemistry of psychostimulants and neurotransmitter transporters. J Pharm Chem Chem Sci 2023;7(2):142

Abstract

Psychostimulants are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and enhance cognitive function, alertness, and wakefulness. They are commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Examples of psychostimulants include methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamines (Adderall), and cocaine. These drugs exert their effects by targeting neurotransmitter transporters, which are proteins that regulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Keywords

Chemistry, Psychostimulants, Neurotransmitter transporters, Dopamine.

Introduction

Components

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released by neurons to communicate with other neurons and cells. The most important neurotransmitters involved in the action of psychostimulants are dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, attention, and motivation [1].

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward and motivation pathways in the brain. Psychostimulants increase dopamine levels in the brain by blocking the reuptake of dopamine by transporters. Dopamine transporters are proteins that remove dopamine from the synaptic cleft, the space between two neurons, after it has been released. By blocking dopamine transporters, psychostimulants increase dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft, leading to increased activation of dopamine receptors and a feeling of reward and pleasure [2].

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of arousal and attention. Psychostimulants increase norepinephrine levels in the brain by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine by transporters. Norepinephrine transporters are proteins that remove norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft after it has been released. By blocking norepinephrine transporters, psychostimulants increase norepinephrine levels in the synaptic cleft, leading to increased arousal and attention [3]

Another advantage of pharmacophore-based molecular docking is that it can be used to predict binding modes of ligands to multiple protein targets simultaneously. This is particularly useful for identifying drugs that target multiple proteins or have multi-pharmacological effects.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of mood and appetite. Psychostimulants increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin by transporters. Serotonin transporters are proteins that remove serotonin from the synaptic cleft after it has been released. By blocking serotonin transporters, psychostimulants increase serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft, leading to improved mood and decreased appetite [4].

The pharmacological effects of psychostimulants are dependent on their affinity and selectivity for neurotransmitter transporters. For example, cocaine has a higher affinity for dopamine transporters than norepinephrine or serotonin transporters, which is why it primarily affects dopamine levels in the brain. In contrast, methylphenidate has a higher affinity for norepinephrine and dopamine transporters than serotonin transporters, which is why it primarily affects norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain [5].

In addition to their effects on neurotransmitter transporters, psychostimulants also have effects on other proteins in the brain, such as ion channels and enzymes. These effects contribute to the complex pharmacological actions of psychostimulants and their potential for abuse and addiction.

Conclusion

The chemistry of psychostimulants and neurotransmitter transporters is complex and fascinating. By blocking the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin by transporters, psychostimulants increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to improved cognitive function, attention, and mood. However, the potential for abuse and addiction associated with these drugs underscores the need for careful use and monitoring by healthcare professionals

.

References

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