Kava is considered to be a form of ‘herbal’ valium. There are several ways in wh
ID: 3454164 • Letter: K
Question
Kava is considered to be a form of ‘herbal’ valium. There are several ways in which it is believed to have its anxiety-reducing effects. For instance, it is speculated that in the amygdala, a major part of the anxiety/fear system, kava works to 1) enhance binding at GABA receptors, 2) block the re-uptake of norepinephrine, and 3) decrease the activity of monoamine oxidase.
a) why would enhancing binding at GABA receptors decrease anxiety?
b) Norepinephrine is usually thought of as ‘endogenous amphetamine’. Amphetamine often produces anxiety by exciting neurons! How is it possible that increasing norepinephrine in the amygdala actually decreases its activity (and thus decreases its anxiety)? Explain. (hint: think of receptor subtypes )
c) What is the significance of Kava blocking the re-uptake of nor-epinephrine and decreasing the activity of monoamine oxidase on it’s behavioral profile (i.e., the effects it has on anxiety or depression)? Briefly explain.
d) If you go online to look up the side effects of kava, you’ll find the following: Higher doses and long term use can lead to hypertension, shortness of breath, mild GI symptoms, enlarged pupils, and possible pulmonary hypertension. Assume that kava acts on the body in a similar way as it does in the brain. Please explain the side effects profile.
Explanation / Answer
a) GABA is an ionterhic neurotransmitter which has an inhibitory effect on the nerve cells. Thus, an increase in the activity of the binding receptors for GABA causes an influx of Chloride ions inside the neuron, leading to a hyperpolarization. Thus, if the herb ‘kava’ activates the GABA binding sites in the nervous system, then it is likely that it would inhibit the generation of action potential in the cell, thereby producing no or lessened excitation such as the one which occurs in anxiety.
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