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