Basic Neuropharm

Question 1

Explain the stages of the monosynaptic stretch reflex, including neuron types and neurotransmitters

Answer 1

Sensory organ detects stimulus
Impulse propogates along axon of afferent peripheral nerve
Peripheral nerve synapses with motor neuron in spinal cord (releases L-glutamate which binds to AMPA receptors)
Action potential triggered in motor neuron
Motor neuron releases Ach which binds to nAchR at neuromuscular junction

Question 2

What are the features of a reversible competitive antagonist? How can they be overcome?

Answer 2

Compete for the agonist binding site
Bind reversibly
Effect can be overcome by increasing agonist concentration
Increase the EC50

Question 3

What are the features of an irreversible competitive antagonist? How can they be overcome?

Answer 3

Forms irreversible covalent bonds with the receptor
May cause conformational change that prevents the agonist from binding
Reduces the Emax

Question 4

What are the features of a non-competitive antagonist?

Answer 4

Binds away from the ligand binding site

Prevents the receptor from carrying out its action

Question 5

What are the features of an allosteric modulator?

Answer 5

Binds away from the ligand binding site

Causes a conformational change that modulates the receptor efficacy to make it more or less effective

Question 6

What are the types of allosteric modulators and what effect do they have?

Answer 6

Efficacy modulator - increase/decrease max response

Affinity modulator - allows same response to be produced at higher/lower concentrations

Question 7

What is the difference between a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator?

Answer 7

Neurotransmitters mediate fast acting direct communication between two synapses, short distances. Neuromodulators modulate activity of many neurons, can act at sites far away from where they are synthesised

Question 8

What are the two types of small molecule neurotransmitters?

Answer 8

Amino acids

Biogenic amines

Question 9

What are the four amino acid neurotransmitters?

Answer 9

Glutamate
Aspartate
GABA
Glycine

Question 10

What are the 3 biogenic amines?

Answer 10

Acetylcholine
Histmine
Monoamines

Question 11

What are the two monoamines?

Answer 11

Serotonin

Catecholamines

Question 12

What are the catecholamines?

Answer 12

Noradrenaline
Adrenaline
Dopamine

Question 13

What are the core components of a neurotransmitter system?

Answer 13

1. Enzymes that synthesise the neurotransmitter
2. Transporters that get the neurotransmitter into cells
3. Transporters that get the neurotransmitter into vesicles
4. Receptors that are activated by the neurotransmitter
5. Molecules that terminate the neurotransmitter action