1. Molecular mechanism for SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and coc

Question

1. Molecular mechanism for SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and cocaine (or Ritalin)

at the synapse:

a. What are the similarities between the molecular mechanism of action of SSRI and Ritalin at the

synapse?

b. What are the differences between the molecular mechanism of action of SSRI and Ritalin at the

synapse?

c. What are the differences between the disorders treated by SSRI and Ritalin?

d. What are the similarities and differences of the resulting action on the post-synaptic neurons by SSRI

and Ritalin?

Explanation / Answer

a. What are the similarities between the molecular mechanism of action of SSRI and Ritalin at the synapse?

Messages in the brain are passed from one nerve cell to the other through a small gap between them called as synapse. The cell above the gap which sends the signal is pre-synaptic cell and the recipient is post-synaptic cell. The messages are sent in the form of neurotransmitters (chemicals), which, bind to post-synaptic cell via receptors and in turn gets stimulated. In the course, signals are lost and majority of them are retaken by the presynaptic cell.

SSRIs (anti-depressants) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and Ritalin (psychoactives) inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Both these activities lead to increased stay of the respective neurotransmitters in the synapse and thereby repeated stimulation of the receptor cell and increased signalling across synapses.

b. What are the differences between the molecular mechanism of action of SSRI and Ritalin at the synapse?

Ritalin increases dopamine and norepinephrine signalling in the CNS.

SSRIs increase the concentration of serotonin the synaptic cleft.

c. What are the differences between the disorders treated by SSRI and Ritalin?

Ritalin is prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy both of which causes underperformance and lethargy in subjects due to under-stimulation of dopamine and norepinephrine.

SSRIs improves mood and is an anti-depressant. SSRIs are used to treat patients with anxiety and stress related disorders.

d. What are the similarities and differences of the resulting action on the post-synaptic neurons by SSRI and Ritalin?

Both stimulate the post-synaptic neuron.

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