PCP, Angel Dust, primarily impacts what neurotransmitter?

PCP, Angel Dust, primarily impacts what neurotransmitter?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Glutamine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Acetylcholine

Answer: (B)

PCP mainly alters glutamatergic signaling by blocking NMDA receptors, which are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. Blocking these receptors reduces excitatory communication in many brain circuits, producing dissociation, cognitive and perceptual disturbances, and analgesia that characterize PCP’s effects. While dopamine can be affected indirectly at higher doses, the primary system involved is glutamate. The option mentioning glutamine is a common mix-up—glutamine is a precursor in glutamate synthesis, not the transmitter itself. So the key concept is the glutamatergic system, with glutamate as the transmitter PCP disrupts.

PCP mainly alters glutamatergic signaling by blocking NMDA receptors, which are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. Blocking these receptors reduces excitatory communication in many brain circuits, producing dissociation, cognitive and perceptual disturbances, and analgesia that characterize PCP’s effects. While dopamine can be affected indirectly at higher doses, the primary system involved is glutamate. The option mentioning glutamine is a common mix-up—glutamine is a precursor in glutamate synthesis, not the transmitter itself. So the key concept is the glutamatergic system, with glutamate as the transmitter PCP disrupts.