4 - Neurotransmitters Flashcards
What are the major classes of neurotransmitters? (5 classes)
- acetylcholine
- amino acids
- biogenic amines
- neuropeptides
- gases
What neurotransmitter(s) are in the acetylcholine class?
Acetylcholine
What neurotransmitter(s) are in the amino acid class
- glutamate
- GABA
- glycine
What neurotransmitter(s) are in the biogenic amine class?
- norepinephrine
- dopamine
- serotonin
What neurotransmitter(s) are in the neuropeptide class?
- substance P
- met-enkephalin (an endorphin)
What neurotransmitter(s) are in the gas class?
Nitric oxide
Function (1) and examples of malfunctions (2) of acetylcholine
- enables muscle action, learning, and memory
- undersupply, as Ach-producing neurone deteriorate, marks Alzheimer’s disease
Function (1) and examples of malfunctions (2) of dopamine
- influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion
- excess dopamine receptor activity linked to schizophrenia; starved of dopamine, the brain produced the tremors and decreased mobility of Parkinson’s disease
Function (1) and examples of malfunctions (2) of serotonin
- affects mood, hunger, sleep. and arousal
- undersupply linked to depression; Prozac and some other antidepressant drugs raise serotonin levels
Function (1) and examples of malfunctions (2) of norepinephrine
- helps control alertness and arousal
- undersupply can depress mood
Function (1) and examples of malfunctions (2) of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
- a major inhibitory neurotransmitter
- undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia
Function (1) and examples of malfunctions (2) of glutamate
- a major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory
- oversupply can overstimulate brain, producing migraines or seizures (which is why some people avoid MSG, monosodium glutamate)
What are the two major classes of acetylcholine receptor?
Vertebrates have two major classes of acetylcholine receptor, one that is ligand gated and one that is metabolic
Somatic efferent system pathway(s)
CNS -> ACh (nic) activates skeletal muscle
Sympathetic system pathway(s)
CNS -> ACh (nic) -> NA activates blood vessels
CNS -> ACh (nic) -> ACh (mus) activates sweat glands
CNS -> ACh (nic) activates adrenal medulla