An Investigation of Stimulants: Reviewing Their Effects on the Brain, including Memory and Microglia
Advisor Information
Jacquelyn Davis Omelian
Location
249
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
1-3-2019 10:30 AM
End Date
1-3-2019 11:45 AM
Abstract
Stimulants are a class of drugs that have a variety of effects on the brain, including changes in receptor activity in the brain areas responsible for- memory, attention, emotion, motor control, and the reward pathway. Stimulants may be generally classified by their availability. For example, prescription stimulants, which include drugs such as methylphenidate (Concerta™, Ritalin™) and mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall™), must be prescribed by medical professionals. Another regulated stimulant, albeit one available without a prescription, is nicotine; a highly addictive chemical that is age-restricted by the U.S. federal government. Nicotine is found in tobacco products, and in tobacco-free alternatives including electronic cigarette (E-cig) juice. A relatively unregulated stimulant that is neither a prescription nor age-restricted is caffeine, which is commonly found in dietary sources such as sodas, coffee, and chocolate. Despite differences in regulation, stimulants all exert effects on the brain and central nervous system (CNS). In this review usage and popularity, neural mechanisms, and variation in drug efficacy will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the way various stimulants impact overall brain health and function. Furthermore, we will identify areas of research that require further study, including clarifying the specific effect of varied stimulant exposures on brain microglia, the primary immune cells of the CNS. Given the popularity and widespread use of stimulants in the U.S., understanding the potential effects that they have on microglia and other brain functions is of critical importance.
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An Investigation of Stimulants: Reviewing Their Effects on the Brain, including Memory and Microglia
249
Stimulants are a class of drugs that have a variety of effects on the brain, including changes in receptor activity in the brain areas responsible for- memory, attention, emotion, motor control, and the reward pathway. Stimulants may be generally classified by their availability. For example, prescription stimulants, which include drugs such as methylphenidate (Concerta™, Ritalin™) and mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall™), must be prescribed by medical professionals. Another regulated stimulant, albeit one available without a prescription, is nicotine; a highly addictive chemical that is age-restricted by the U.S. federal government. Nicotine is found in tobacco products, and in tobacco-free alternatives including electronic cigarette (E-cig) juice. A relatively unregulated stimulant that is neither a prescription nor age-restricted is caffeine, which is commonly found in dietary sources such as sodas, coffee, and chocolate. Despite differences in regulation, stimulants all exert effects on the brain and central nervous system (CNS). In this review usage and popularity, neural mechanisms, and variation in drug efficacy will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the way various stimulants impact overall brain health and function. Furthermore, we will identify areas of research that require further study, including clarifying the specific effect of varied stimulant exposures on brain microglia, the primary immune cells of the CNS. Given the popularity and widespread use of stimulants in the U.S., understanding the potential effects that they have on microglia and other brain functions is of critical importance.