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Related Concept Videos

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids01:24

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena01:15

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
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Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Stimulants01:29

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
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Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
10:28

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

Neuropathological alterations in cocaine abuse.

A Büttner1

  • 1Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Rostock, St.-Georg-Strasse 108, 18055 Rostock, Germany. andreas.buettner@med.uni-rostock.de

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|August 4, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Cocaine abuse causes widespread brain abnormalities, primarily vascular complications like stroke and hemorrhage. Understanding these neurological effects is crucial for addressing this global health crisis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Toxicology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cocaine abuse is a global health concern.
  • Neurologic and psychiatric symptoms are common in cocaine toxicity.
  • Brain abnormalities are frequently observed in cocaine abusers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of neuropathologic alterations in cocaine abusers.
  • To highlight the major cerebrovascular complications associated with cocaine use.
  • To discuss proposed mechanisms underlying cocaine-induced brain damage.

Main Methods:

  • Review of neuroimaging studies including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
  • Analysis of reported neuropathologic findings in individuals with a history of cocaine abuse.

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A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
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A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

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Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior
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Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
10:28

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
07:51

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

Published on: June 18, 2018

Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior
10:05

Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior

Published on: September 16, 2015

Main Results:

  • Cocaine abuse is associated with a broad range of brain abnormalities.
  • Major findings include vascular complications such as stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral ischemia.
  • Individuals with pre-existing vascular malformations are at increased risk.

Conclusions:

  • Cocaine-induced cerebrovascular events are a significant concern.
  • Potential mechanisms include cocaine-induced vasospasm, impaired hemostasis and platelet function, and decreased cerebral blood flow.
  • Molecular alterations in transcription factors and neurotransmitter systems may also contribute to cocaine-related brain damage.