Drugs and the Synapse
Darin J Knapp, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Charles R Breese, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
Robert A Mueller, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
George R Breese, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Published online: April 2001
DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0000098
Abstract
The concept that centrally acting drugs influence behaviour by influencing neurotransmitter function at specific points controlling
synaptic transmission is the basis of neuropharmacological research.The synapse is a specialized cellular interface that provides
a physical and chemical link for facilitating communication between cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
Keywords: agonist; antagonist; antidepressant; pain; neurotransmitter
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