Phencyclidine (PCP) is a potent glutamate antagonist that is known to produce psychotic behavior in humans. Given what you know about stroke, what would happen if somebody used PCP right after a stroke?
A) It would increase the damage initiated by the stroke.
B) It might have a protective effect against further cell death, but the psychotic side effects would be problematic.
C) It would not produce any psychotic symptoms due to stroke-related changes in brain biochemistry.
D) It would have no observable effects on cell health or psychotic behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a potent antagonist of the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor. In the context of a stroke, excessive glutamate release contributes to cell death through excitotoxicity. By blocking glutamate receptors, PCP could theoretically reduce this excitotoxic damage, potentially offering a protective effect against further cell death. However, the use of PCP is also associated with significant psychotic side effects, which would still be a concern.

Phencyclidine (PCP) Is a Potent Glutamate Antagonist That Is Known