Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
09:11
Caffeine Extraction, Enzymatic Activity and Gene Expression of Caffeine Synthase from Plant Cell Suspensions
Published on: October 2, 2018
The Janus face of caffeine
Lisiane O Porciúncula1, Cássia Sallaberry1, Sabrina Mioranzza1
1Laboratório de Estudos sobre o Sistema Purinérgico, Departamento de Bioquímica/ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-anexo, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil.
Neurochemistry International
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Caffeine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Caffeine is the world's most consumed psychostimulant.
- Chronic caffeine intake may prevent age-related cognitive decline and brain disorder deficits.
- Its cognitive-enhancing effects and safety during development are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review caffeine's effects on neurobehavior and the adenosinergic system during brain development.
- To examine other neurochemical systems impacted by caffeine.
- To outline epidemiological studies addressing confounding variables like the "pregnancy signal".
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on caffeine's impact on brain development.
- Analysis of neurochemical and neurobehavioral data.
- Synthesis of epidemiological findings.
Main Results:
- Limited ontogenetic studies exist on caffeine's neurochemical effects during early development.
- The safety of caffeine consumption during pregnancy and its impact on brain development require further investigation.
- Caffeine influences the adenosinergic system and other neurochemical pathways.
Conclusions:
- More research is needed on caffeine's effects during prenatal and early postnatal brain development.
- Understanding caffeine's impact on neurodevelopment is crucial for public health.
- Further investigation into caffeine's long-term neurodevelopmental consequences is warranted.
More Related Videos
08:33Experimental Protocol for Examining Behavioral Response Profiles in Larval Fish: Application to the Neuro-stimulant Caffeine
Published on: July 24, 2018
07:34Large Scale Non-targeted Metabolomic Profiling of Serum by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS)
Published on: March 14, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:29Stimulants
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...
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...
01:24CNS 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...
01:28Depressants
Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
01:30Combined Effects of Drugs: Antagonism
The combined effects of drugs can result in various interactions, of which an important type is antagonism. Antagonism is a mechanism where one drug inhibits or counteracts the effects of another drug. Antagonism can occur through various means, including receptor binding, allosteric modulation, functional interaction, chemical reactions, and pharmacokinetic processes.
The most common type is receptor antagonism, where one drug acts as an antagonist to block the effects of another drug by...
The most common type is receptor antagonism, where one drug acts as an antagonist to block the effects of another drug by...
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...