What are they? Synthetic compounds, cousins of nicotine.

Who do they target? They're like catnip for insects' acetylcholine receptors in cholinergic synapses. But it’s a fatal attraction! 😲

What happens?

• Neonicotinoids attach to receptors and don't let go (because acetylcholinesterase can't break them down).
• With receptors blocked, acetylcholine can't bind, stopping synaptic transmission.
• Insects end up paralyzed, and then... RIP. 🪦

Why not use them everywhere?

• Pros: They're not very toxic to humans and other mammals. Why? Mammals and insects are like apples and oranges when it comes to their nervous system. Neonicotinoids prefer insect receptors.
• Famous Name Alert! Imidacloprid is like the Beyoncé of neonicotinoids. 🌟 It’s the world's top insecticide.
• Cons: But wait, there's drama! 🍿 Some folks are worried about how these insecticides might affect other non-bug species. The jury's still out, and the debate is 🔥HOT🔥.

Where does it act? Synapses that are dancing to the dopamine beat.

How does it work? Cocaine is like that person hogging the DJ booth, preventing the usual track of dopamine from getting rewound. It binds to the dopamine reuptake transporters, the brain’s DJs responsible for taking back dopamine into the presynaptic neuron.

Result?

• With transporters blocked, dopamine's party in the synaptic gap never stops! 🥳
• The postsynaptic neuron is always in party mode.
• Cocaine is a stimulant giving party vibes (euphoria) even without a good reason, like your favorite song coming on (or in biological terms, no particular reward activity).