BRS MOCK 11 - Neurotransmitters, adrenal, microcirculation Flashcards
Classes of neurotransmitters?
Amino acids, amines and neuropeptides.
Explain neurotransmitter release
Docking of vesicle containing neurotransmitter in synaptic zone. Ca2+ entry leading to membrane fusion and exocytosis
How does alpha latrotoxin act as a neurotoxin?
Activates calcium channels. Massive neurotransmitter release resulting in muscle cramping.
How does botulinum toxin act as a neurotoxin?
Inhibits vesicle exocytosis. Paralysis, no muscle contraction.
What is the main neurotransmitter and post synaptic neurotransmitter receptor in the CNS?
Glutamate and GABA receptor.
Examples of g protein coupled receptors?
Seretonin receptors, Dopamine receptors, noradrenaline receptors,
Muscarinic receptors (acetylcholine).
Main Inhibitory neurotransmitters in CNS?
GABA and glycine.
Main excitatory neurotransmitter in CNS?
Glutamate.
How can a receptor excite a neurone?
Lead to sodium influx.
How can a receptor inhibit a neurone?
Lead to hyperpolarisation. With GABA and glycine its a chloride influx.
What are the two types of glutamate receptors?
AMPA and NMDA.
NMDA vs AMPA in terms of influx of ions?
NMDA receptors activation results in the influx of calcium ions in addition to the sodium. AMPA is just sodium.
NMDA vs AMPA in terms of function?
NMDA is responsible for slow component of excitatory transmission while AMPA is responsible for majority of fast excitatory synapses.
What do glutamate receptors require to work?
Glycine bound to receptor.
What cell is involved in the reuptake of neurotransmitter?
Glial cell.
What are seizures associated with?
Excess glutamate.
Why is glutamine synthetase important?
Glutamate to glutamine conversion in glial cells. Reduces excess levels of glutamate in synapse and so no seizures.
Explain a synaptic transmission involving glutamate?
Glutamate reversibly binds postsynaptic receptors. Rapid uptake of glutamate by excitatory amino acid transporters on presynaptic terminal and glial cell. Glutamate enzymatically modified by glutamine synthetase to glutamine in glial cells
How is GABA synthesised?
GABA synthesised by decarboxylation of glutamate by glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD).
Explain a synaptic transmission involving GABA?
GABA reversibly binds post-synaptic receptors. Rapid uptake of GABA by GABA transporters on presynaptic terminal and glial cell. GABA enzymatically modified by GABA-transaminase to succinic semialdehyde in glial cells.
What does the zona glomerulosa produce?
Aldosterone.
What does the zona fasciculata produce?
Cortisol.
What does the zona reticularis produce?
Androgens.
Name 3 catecholamines
Adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine.
What converts cholesterol to pregnenolone?
Side chain cleavage.
What converts pregnenolone to progesterone?
3 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase.
Series of enzymes that convert progesterone to aldosterone?
21,11,18 hydroxylase.
Series of enzymes that convert progesterone to cortisol?
17,21,11 hydroxylase.
How does aldosterone work?
Binds to intracellular receptor. Gene expression results in greater Na+ reabsorption from urine into blood by activating Na+ pumps in distal convoluted tube and cortical collecting duct in the kidney. Na+ is pumped into blood and K+, H+ are pumped out of blood into urine by active transport. Increased Na+ reabsorption results in increased water reabsorption and so increased blood volume.
How does the renin angiotensin system work?
Drop in blood pressure (drop is renal perfusion pressure). juxtaglomerular cells detect drop in renal perfusion pressure and macula densa can detect drop in Na+. Release of renin from kidney (juxtaglomerular cells). Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by ACE (lots in the lung).
What does angiotensin II do?
Vasoconstrictor. Increases synthesis of aldosterone from zona glomerulosa of adrenal cortex. Also stimulates release of AVP from anterior pituitary.
Cortisol hormone effects in the body?
Increased peripheral protein catabolism, increased gluconeogenesis, increased lipolysis - increased blood glucose. Increased vascular permeability, increased urine output.
How does angiotensin II increase aldosterone synthesis?
Activates enzymes in the zona glomerulosa of adrenal cortex - side chain cleavage, 3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 21 hydroxylase, 11 hydroxylase and 18 hydroxylase.
How does ACTH result in release of cortisol from zona fasciculata?
Activation of enzymes - side chain cleavage, 3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17,21,11 hydroxylase.
Markers for addison’s disease
High ACTH, low cortisol, high MSH, low aldosterone
Symptoms of addison’s disease?
Hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, weakness and vitiligo.