Pharmacodynamics

Abstract

Over the past 10-15 years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the pharmacodynamics of neuropsychopharmacological agents. Novel research techniques have allowed for the discovery of multiple receptor subtypes and have also revealed complex and ofttimes seemingly contradictory physiological effects secondary to manipulation of neural receptors. This chapter summarizes key concepts in central nervous system pharmacodynamics including brief descriptions of localization of receptor subtypes, neural pathways, as well as putative pharmacodynamic properties of drugs that affect these neural systems. The aim is to provide clinicians with an understanding of general concepts that may be applied to the relevant chapters in this book and to the literature. This chapter is arranged according to individual neural systems, yet it should be stressed that this "splitting" approach is an artificial attempt to describe, in simple terms, systems that have varying degrees of complex and hitherto not fully understood interrelationships. Indeed, any of the neural systems discussed herein merit their own chapter, if not their own book. It is for this reason that the reader should consult other chapters in this textbook, as well as relevant references for additional details in this complex and quickly evolving field.