Chapter 4: The Chemistry of Behavior Flashcards
Criteria of classic neurotransmitters
- Present in synaptic axon terminals
- Presynaptic cell has enzymes for NT (makes for a reason)
- Action potentials produce significant release of NTs
- NT receptors located on the postsynaptic cell
- Application of NT produces change in postsynaptic cell
- If you block NT release, it prevents the postsynaptic effects
Neuropharmacology
The discovery and study of compounds that selectively affect the functioning of the nervous system.
Neuropeptides
Short string of amino acids
Retrograde Transmitters
Go from postsynaptic cell to presynaptic cell (backwards)
Amino Acids (ex)
GABA and Glutamate
GABA
Primary fast inhibitory NT
Glutamate
Primary fast excitatory NT
Monoamines (ex)
NTs involved in regulating mood and memory
Dopamine, Norepinephrine,
and Epinephrine are all…
Monoamines
Acetylcholine
A compound that functions as a NT
Ligand
Any substance that binds to a receptor and has some sort of effect
Agonists
Substances that mimic hormones/neurotransmitters to trigger a response when they bind to a receptor
Antagonists
Substances that block the action of other substances, such as agonists.
Inverse Agonist
Produces opposite effect from normal activation of a receptor
Competitive Ligand
A drug that binds to the same receptor site as another ligand/agonist and prevents the agonist from binding and activating the receptor.
Non-Competitive Ligand
A compound that binds to a receptor protein at a different site than an agonist and prevents the agonists biological response
Nicotinic Receptor
Ionotropic and Excitatory
Muscarinic Receptor
Postganglionic cells of autonomic system (parasympathetic)
Dopamine D1 and D5
Stimulate production of cyclic AMP (cAMP)
Dopamine D2, D3, and D4
Inhibit production of cAMP
Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA): DA Neurons
Involved in reward, emotion, reinforcement, and addiction
Substantia Nigra: DA Neurons
Innervate the dorsal striatum = motor control
Parkinsons Disease
Destruction of Substantia Nigra dopamine neurons
Norepinephrine a1
Activates Phospholipase C
Norepinephrine B1 and B2
Stimulatory to cAMP system
Norepinephrine a2
Inhibitory to cAMP system
Serotonin
Involved in mood, anxiety, sleep, and variety of other functions
Generalization
The RECEPTOR determines whether NT is excitatory or inhibitory
GABA
The primary inhibitory NT in the central nervous system
GABA A
Receptor, Ionotropic, Chloride Channel