Chemistry of neurotransmitters Flashcards
what is noradrenaline?
- neurotransmitter that affects attention and response actions in the brain
- contracts blood vessels to increase blood flow
- patients diagnosed with ADHD are often prescribed drugs designed to increase levels of noradrenaline in the brain
what is noradrenaline initially synthesised by?
tyrosine
what is adrenaline?
- hormone produced in high stress or exciting situations
- stimulates increased hr, contracts blood vessels, dilates airways
- leads to a physical boost
-epiPens contain adrenaline and are used for treating allergic reactions
what is the main difference between adrenaline and noradrenaline?
adrenaline has a primary amine group and methyl group
what is dopamine?
- associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction
- associated with addiction, movement and motivation
- behaviours can be natural (eating,sex) or unnatural (drug addiction)
what is dopamine initially synthesised by?
tyrosine
what is serotonin?
- contributor to feelings of wellbeing and happiness
- regulates the sleep cycle along with melatonin, and regulates intestinal movements
- low levels are linked with depression, anxiety and some mental disorders
what is the initial synthesis of serotonin by?
tryptophan
what interactions occur in serotonin?
van der waals
hydrogen bonds
salt bridges
what is GABA?
- major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain
- increased levels of mental focus and relaxation, low levels can cause anxiety
- drugs to treat epilepsy often act by increasing levels of GABA in the brain
what is the structure of GABA?
Long straight chain, rigid (flexible)
what is GABA initially synthesised by?
glutamate (looses carboxylic acid)
what is acetylcholine?
- principle neurotransmitters involved in thought, learning and memory
- involved in activating muscle action
- damage to these areas have been linked with memory defects associated with alzheimer’s
- associated with attention, and enhancement of sensory perception upon wakening
what is glutamate?
- most common excitory NT and it is involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory
- regulates brain development and creation of nerve contacts
- toxic to neurons in larger quantities
what is the initial synthesis of glutamate?
glutamine
what are endorphins?
- released from the brain during exercise, pain, excitement, sexual activity and produce a feeling of euphoria
- certain foods can stimulate the release of endorphins
what is the synthesis of endorphins?
made via the proteolytic cleavage of proenkephalin
what effect does changes to an NTs chemical structure have
it can dramatically affect its biological response
