MOUSE PARTY
(From: GVL)
In this activity you will analyze several lab mice that have been exposed to a variety of drugs.
Each drug affects different neurotransmitters at the synapse in different ways. You will record
your findings in the provide data table.
Pre-Activity: Look up the following terms and define them in your own words!
Neurotransmitter:
Synapse:
Procedure:
Go to: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/
Click Play and then follow the online directions to evaluate each mouse.
DRUG
Heroin
Ecstasy
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
Alcohol
Cocaine
LSD
Analysis Questions:
NEUROTRANSMITTER(S)
ACTION OF DRUG
INVOLVED
Dopamine, Inhibitory
Immediate feeling of
Sedation and Well-being,
Painkiller
Serotonin
Affects Mood, Sleep
Appetite
Inhibitory, Dopamine
Removing short term
memory, slows down
movement, a feeling of
being relaxed and calm.
Perpetual feeling of
“high”
Dopamine
Intense pleasure and
exhilaration
GABA Inhibitory, Glutamate Memory Formation,
Decision Making and
Impulse Control
Dopamine
Loss of control over
voluntary movements,
Fidgety and Unable to sit
still
Serotonin
Wakefulness, startle
response to unexpected
stimulus.
List three points in the neurotransmission pathway that can be affected by drugs of abuse.
Block receptors on post synaptic neuron
Affect reuptake of the neurotransmitter- reuptake to dump neurotransmitter
Inhibitory neurotransmitters get blocked
2. How are the mechanisms of different drugs of abuse alike? How are they different?
3. Do you think that findings from studies of drugs and the brain functions of mice can be
applied to humans?
1.
Sources: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/lsps07.sci.life.gen.mouseparty/
Worksheet adapted from:
Genetic Science Learning Center (2009, March 30) Mouse Party. Learn.Genetics. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/drugs/mouse.html