Sunday, January 31, 2010

Cocaine

Cocaine is one hell of a drug - scientifically. A potent stimulant, cocaine is a drug with widespread cultivation and use.

Perhaps I will devote more time to exploring the mechanisms of cocaine, suffice to say that it principally blocks dopamine reuptake into the presynaptic neuron. But for now, I will focus on on the following property of cocaine:

It is a local anesthetic, that has its effect by blocking Sodium channels. Ever wonder why DEA agents or police offers put a bit of white powder on their tongues to test if it is really cocaine? Not because of any distinct taste, but because it immediately numbs the tongue!

No comments:

Post a Comment