Psychopharmacology Scavenger Hunt Concept Map
“scavenger” the literature as you research the agonist spectrum and key neurotransmitters and pathways targeted in psychopharmacology. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge as you create a Concept Map exploring each of the agonist spectrum listed below. Support your answers with evidence-based, peer-reviewed scholarly literature. APA style format title page, citations, and references will apply.
To prepare for this Assignment:
• Review the Learning Resources assigned this week.
• Review the Concept Map resources.
• Explore the listed agonist spectrum and consider the action and receptor of each:
o Agonist
o Partial agonist
o Antagonist
o Inverse agonist
• Describe the different characteristics of the four agonists and how each mediates distinct biological activities. Include proposed mechanisms and the receptor it is targeting.
• Identify how the P450 enzyme system plays a role in the body’s absorption, distribution, and clearance of medication.
• Scavenge the literature after describing each agonist on the spectrum for research that is based on the medications in the table below.
• Apply the medications to the appropriate agonist on the agonist spectrum in your Concept Map.
Medications
Oxycodone
Brexpiprazole
Haloperidol
Naloxone
Aripiprazole
Amphetamine
Risperidone
Pimavanserin
Sample Answer
Understanding the Agonist Spectrum
Before diving into the medications, we need to clarify the agonist spectrum:
- Agonist:
- A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.
- It mimics the action of an endogenous ligand (e.g., neurotransmitter).
- Mechanism: Binds to the receptor’s active site, inducing a conformational change that initiates a signaling cascade.
- Example: A full agonist produces the maximum possible response.
- Partial Agonist:
- A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, but produces a submaximal response.
- It has affinity for the receptor but lower efficacy than a full agonist.
- Mechanism: Binds to the receptor, but the conformational change it induces is less effective at initiating signaling.
- It can act as an antagonist in the presence of a full agonist