Brain Chemicals

Question 1

Inhibatory syanpse

Answer 1

1. Neurotransmitter binds to chloride ion channels
2. Chloride ion channels open and chloride ions enter the neuron
3. Neurotransmitter binding opens the potassium ion channels nearby
4. Potassium ions move out of the post synaptic neuron
5. Hyperpolarisation happens

Question 2

The causes that drug affect can have on a synapse

Answer 2

1. Increasing the number of impulses
2. Release neurotransmitter from vesicles with or without impulses
3. Block receptors
4. Produce more or less neurotrasnmitters
5. Prevent vesicles from releasing neurotransmitters

Question 3

Depression and parkinson’s disease

Answer 3

They are both caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Depression involves the neurotransmitter seratonin. Parkinsons involve the neurotransmitter dopamine

Question 4

Parkinsons disease

Answer 4

1. Degenrative disorder of the CNS
2. It causes the dopamine producing cells within the substania nigra to die (critical brain region for the production of dopamine)

Question 5

Symptoms of Parkinsons

Answer 5

1. Tremors - these usually begin in one hand and spread
2. Slowness of movements, both starting to move and during movement.
3. Stiffness within muscles - this can be a big probelm after periods of inactivity such as sleeping.

Question 6

How do you treat parkinsons

Answer 6

There is no cure

Question 7

What is levodopa?

Answer 7

1. This is a precursor of dopamine (drugs that get converted into dopamine in the brain)
2. Eventually, the effectiveness of L - dope is reduced as more brain cells die off.

Question 8

Dopamine agonists

Answer 8

1. There are several dopamine agonists that bind to dopamine post - synaptic receptors in the brain.
2. They have similar effects to levodopa.
3. They work by mimicking the effect of dopamine.

Question 9

Symptoms of clinical depression

Answer 9

1. Feelings of intense sadness, anxiety and hoplessness
2. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
3. Loss of self - esteem and self - interest
4. Low energy levels
5. Restlessness
6. Insomia - this is associated with low levels of serotonin due to reduced levels of synthesis.

Question 10

Serotonin

Answer 10

1. The neurotransmitter serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan
2. Neurones which respond to have specific serotonin receptors in their post synaptic membranes.

Question 11

What is the role of serotonin?

Answer 11

It is involved with pathways which control mood, emotions, sleeping, waking, feeding and temperature regulation.

Question 12

What is the treatment for depression?

Answer 12

1. Anti - depressant drugs - Maintainig the level of nervous system activity by use of drugs to inhabit serotonin breakdown
2. Inahabit serotonin reuptake at synapse e.g. prozac blocks the serotonin reuptake receptors keeping the concentration in the synapse high enough to carry nerve impulses across.

Question 13

Dopamine

Answer 13

The neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure when released by the brain reward system.