2- cellular physiology of the brain Flashcards
describe the concept of immune privilege
the brain can tolerate antigens without providing an immune response, and activity of CNS immune cells is tightly regulated. this is because a strong inflammatory response could lead to swelling and raised ICP
what are the key pathways for dopamine in brain
nigrostriatal (substantia nigra to the striatum). this is for motor control. loss causes parkinsons
neocortical- midrbain to cerebral cortex. mood, arousal and reward
mesolimbic- midbrain to limbic system. mood, arousal and reward. over activity causes schizophrenia
actions of amphetamine
releases dopamine, act at mesolimbic pathway to cause schizophrenic like symptoms
how do antipsychotic drugs work
antagonise dopamine receptors.
how does L-DOPA work
- converted to dopamine in brain by AADC
- crosses BB via LNAA
- peripheral conversion is prevented by carbidopa to prevent GI and heart side effects.
key pathways of serotonin
cell bodies in brain stem in locus coeruleus. project to cortex, limbic system and cerebellum.
describe role of SSRIs
selective serotonin uptake inhibitors prevent breakdown of serotonin and so boost serotonin levels. used for depression
describe role of histamine
sleep and wakeful ness, stimulates coerwx.
role of peptides
modulatory action
key examples of peptides
dynorphin- pain
encephalin- pain
orexin-narcolepsy
excitatory transmitters and their receptors
glutamate- inotropic are AMPA, NDMA, kainate. metabotropic are mGLURs
inhibitory transmitters and their receptors
mainly GABA, inotropic- GABAA. metabotropic- GABAB
also glycine- same as GABA
