![]() ![]() Instead it acts to block and prevent binding of adenosine to its respective receptors. Since adenosine and caffeine aren’t exactly identical, caffeine cannot activate adenosine receptors. The similar structure of caffeine to adenosine allows caffeine to act as a competitive antagonist. Eventually there’s insufficient adenosine levels to activate the adenosine receptors so you wake up feeling refreshed. During sleep, the brain replenishes its energy reserves and adenosine levels drop. The effects of adenosine binding to both these receptors together promotes sleepiness. If adenosine activates A1 receptors present on wake stimulating neurons, those neurons, in turn, become less active, however, if adenosine activates A2A receptors present on sleep promoting neurons, those become more active. This mechanism is important as high adenosine levels indicate prolonged high levels of activity, and therefore, the need to rest. These adenosine molecules leave the neurons and bind to adenosine receptors leading to drowsiness. Hence, as the brain uses up more energy, the concentration of adenosine increases inside the neurons. One of the resulting breakdown products is adenosine. Neurons break down adenosine triphosphate for energy. These receptors have an important effect on cognitive function and behaviour. ![]() The main mechanism of action of caffeine is its ability to inhibit adenosine receptors. Caffeine’s elimination half-life ranges from 1.5 – 9.5 hours this wide range is due to innate individual variation and environmental characteristics that influence caffeine metabolism e.g. So, before indulging in a fifth cup of our favourite caffeinated beverage of the day, let us delve into the neuropharmacology behind caffeine, and whether it can cause more harm than good.Ĭaffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a plant alkaloid with a chemical structure of C8H10N4O2 and is the most widely used CNS stimulant in the world. In another survey administered to 300 freshmen at a south eastern US university, 83% reported having at least one sign/symptom of caffeine intoxication. In an anonymous survey given to US college students from five geographically dispersed US universities, 92% of the students claimed to consume caffeine and 79% said ‘to feel awake’ as their justification for consuming caffeinated drinks. However, whether it’s tea, energy drinks or coffee students inevitably consume caffeinated drinks frequently. Market research by the Beverage Marketing Corporation has shown that coffee is the most popular late-night study aid and an early morning eye opener on campus. It’s no surprise that on university campuses, caffeine is a major part of students’ lives. Eliot, who said “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons” To the American TV host, David Letterman, who proclaimed “if it wasn’t for coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever”: It is evident that humanity’s indulgence and perhaps reliance on caffeine stretches back across the ages. ![]() ![]() From the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, who declared “I would rather suffer with coffee than be senseless” To the American- British poet, T.S. ![]()
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