Brain chemistry 1

Question 1

What is the definition of neurotransmission?

Answer 1

Definition of neurotransmission: “Process by which neurons communicate with one another across synapses using neurotransmitters or ionic currents.”

Question 2

Recall some differences in electrical vs chemical neurotransmission

Answer 2

Electrical:

distanse pre-postsynaptic cell 4 nm
Ionic current
Gap junction channels (p.11)
Synaptic delay virtually absent (<0.3 ms)
Bidirectional direction of transmission

Chemical:

distanse pre-postsynaptic cell 20-40 nm
Chemical transmitters
Synaptic vesicles
Synaptic delay at least 0.3 ms, usually 1-5 ms
Unidirectional transmission

Question 3

Not only axon-dendrite, but also axon-X and axon-X are possible between brain cells

Answer 3

axo-axonic (two axons: lange stukken)
axo-somatic (axon- naar celmidden)

Question 4

Myelin sheets: produced out of..

Signal transferred over …

Answer 4

omega3 FA
nodes of Ranvier, spaces between myelin.

Question 5

After chemical synapse communication, what happens to the neurotransmitters?

Answer 5

• Neurotransmitters are either taken back by the presynaptic cell
• Or are degraded by enzymes

Question 6

What receptor subtypes were discussed?

Answer 6

1. Ionotropic
2. Metabotropic

Question 7

How does the ionotropic receptor function?

Answer 7

 Neurotransmitter binds to ionotropic receptor, channel opens. Ions can go through and enter neurons

Question 8

What are examples of receptors that are ionotropic?

Answer 8

1. • Nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) (at neuromuscular junction)
     > Works by influx/efflux of sodium and potassium
2. GABA receptors
   > Influx of negative chloride ions (C-)
   > Inhibitory (sleep, sedation)
   > E.g. Alcohol can bind to this receptor
3. Glutamate receptors
   (learning, memory)
4. Serotonin

Question 9

How does the metabotropic receptor function?

Answer 9

neurotransmitter binds, cascade with production of ATP, second messengers, open channel next to it, channel opens and adrenaline or serotonin (or something else?) can enter

Question 10

One neuron forms/receives 1000 to 10.000 synapses
True/false

Answer 10

True

Question 11

NT can induce long-term changes within target cells, lasting hours or even days
True/false

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Which cells are also able to produce, sequester and store NT ?

Answer 12

Astrocytes

Question 13

What do autoreceptors on presynaptic terminals do?

Answer 13

terminate further release

Question 14

What two main classes of neurotransmitters exist?

Answer 14

Small-molecule transmitters
(~150-190 Da)
-> catecholamines
->indolamines
-> amino acids
Neuro-active peptides (~1,000-5,000 Da)
-> short polymers of amino acids

Question 15

Tyrosine is the precursor for these neurotransmitters:
That belong to the group of..

Answer 15

• dopamine
• norepinephrine
• epinephrine (adrenalin)

Catecholamines

Question 16

Tryptophan is the precursor for the neurotransmitter….
That belongs to the group of..

Answer 16

Serotonin
Indolamines

Question 17

Histidine is the precursor for the neurotransmitter….
That belongs to the group of..

Answer 17

histamine
Indolamines

Question 18

Glutamine is the precursor for the neurotransmitters….
That belong to the group of…

Answer 18

Glutamate, GABA
Amino acids

Question 19

Choline is the precursor for the neurotransmitter….
That belongs to the group of..

Answer 19

acetylcholine
‘Other’

Question 20

Alfa-linoleic acid is the precursor for the neurotransmitter….
That belongs to the group of..

Answer 20

DHA
Endocannabinoids

Question 21

Serotonin is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?
Affected by?

Answer 21

Well-being, happiness
Helps sleep cycle, digestive system regulation
Affected by exercise + light exposure

Question 22

Dopamine is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 22

Pleasure
- pleasure, addiction, movement, motivation

Question 23

Noradrenalin is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 23

Concentration
- attention, responding actions in brain
- fight & flight response
- contracts blood vessels, increasing blood flow

Question 24

Adrenalin is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 24

Fight/flight
- in stressful/exciting situations
- increases heart rate & blood flow
- physical boost, heightened awareness

Question 25

GABA is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 25

calming
- calms firing nerves in CNS
- high levels improve focus
- low levels cause anxiety
- contributes to motor contol & vision

Question 26

Acetylcholine is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 26

Learning
- thought, learning, memory
- activates muscle action
- attention and awakening

Question 27

Glutamate is the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 27

memory
- most common neurotransmitter
- learning & memory
- development & creation of nerve contacts

Question 28

Endorphins = the … neurotransmitter. What does it cause?

Answer 28

euphoria

• during exercise, excitement, sex
• well-being, reducing pain