CH.3 - A - Neurotransmitters & Neuropharmacology

Question 1

What are the 5 criteria for NT classification? (try your best)

Answer 1

1. Synthesized in pre-synaptic neurons & stored in axon terminal
2. Released when action terminal reaches axon terminal
3. Recognized by receptors on post-synaptic membrane
4. Causes changes in post-synaptic cell
5. Blocking its release interferes w/ a cells ability to affect a post-synaptic cell

Question 2

What happens at the synapse?

Answer 2

Neurons communicate
Messages are NT’s

Question 3

What is the result of communication at the synapse?

Answer 3

A change in charge in post-synaptic neuron

Question 4

What are the 2 types of receptors

Answer 4

1. Ionotropic
2. Metabotropic

Question 5

How does the Ionotropic receptor act?

Answer 5

quickly changes shape & open/closes ion channel when NT binds

Question 6

How does the Metabotropic receptor act?

Answer 6

slow; uses system of 2nd messengers to open ion channel - can alter gene expression

Question 7

What are the most common transmitters in the brain?

Answer 7

Amino acids
- Glutamate: excitatory
GABA: inhibitory

Question 8

Name the 4 amine transmitters

Answer 8

Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine

Question 9

Describe acetylcholine

Answer 9

Its the transmission in the forebrain
- basal forebrain major source of cholinogeric
neurons
Important for memory

Question 10

Describe Dopamine

Answer 10

Important for behavior
Mesostriatal pathway: important for motor control
mesolimbocortical pathway: important for cognition

Question 11

Describe seretonin

Answer 11

important for mood, vision, anxiety, sexual behavior, sleep, etc.
Raphe nuclei: midline midbrain and brainstem source of seretonin

Question 12

Describe Norepinephrine

Answer 12

important for behavior ranges from alertness to sexual behavior
Noradrenergic neurons found in locus cerebelus and lateral tegmental area