Class 4 Flashcards
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that are released to produce an inhibitory or excitatory effect on the neuron
Ex: norepinephrine, acetylcholine, dopamine, histamine & serotonin
Neurohormone
Hormone is released from a neurosecretory neuron & travels through blood stream to reach target cell. Ex: ADH, GnRH, TRH
Neuropeptides
Peptides are used instead of chemicals to communicate between neurons. Ex: GABA –> somatostatin, Norepinephrine –> enkephalin
Cytokines
are small cell-signaling protein molecules that are secreted by numerous cells and are a category of signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication. Ex: interleukins, tumor necrosis factors
Interconnections of the nervous, endocrine & immune systems
Occur via biochemical messengers such as neurotransmitters, hormones, cytokines…
Chemical compounds bind with receptors on target cells to elicit a response
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Negative feedback loop
Hypothalamus -> corticotropin releasing hormone -> anterior pituitary -> adrenocorticotropic hormone -> Adrenal cortex -> cortisol (negative feedback to hypothalamus & anterior pituitary)
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis
Stimulation of T3 & T4 to create the thyroid hormone
Frontal Lobe
Insight, judgment, problem-solving & personality
Basal Ganglia
Involved in motor function & programming behaviour thats automatic, OCD is thought to be associated with this area
Hypothalamus
Controls ANS functions, sleep, body temp, hunger, sex & emotion expression Produces neurohormones (ADH, oxytocin & histamine)
Hippocampus
Associated with memory, & Alzheimer’s
Thalamus
Cortical functions & behaviours, it filters information coming into the cortex
Pituitary
Regulator of the endocrine system with the hypothalamus.
Controls visceral function, hunger, thirst, BP & body temp.
Amygdala
Connect with hypothalamus, associated with imulsive acts of aggression & violence & bi-polar disorders
Limbic Midbrain Nuclei
produces neurochemicals to reinforce behaviours that ensure survival of human species (Hunger, sex, nurturing)
Extrapyramidal Motor System
modulates smooth coordinated movement & reflexes
Dopamine producing cells (area thats affected with Parkinson’s)
Pineal Body
Produces melatonin (neuropeptide) to modify immune function Modulates sleep cycles & circardian rhythms
Brain stem
Produces serotonin
Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic (fight or flight) & parasympathetic (rest & digest)
Cholinergic Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine
Excitatory, Parasympathetic Nervous System
Projects through cerebral cortex & limbic system
Involved in higher intellectual function & memory
Lack of this neurotransmitter is associated with Alzheimers & Down’s Syndrome
Biogenic Amines
Dopamine
(Nor)epinephrine
Serotonin
Histamine
Dopamine
Excitatory
Involved in cognitive, motor & neuroendocrine functions & reward pathway
Schizophrenia (increase)
Parkinsons (decrease)
Blockage of dopamine receptors results in extrapyramidal effects & weight gain
(Nor)epinephrine
Excitatory
Sympathetic Nervous system
Major role in generating and maintaining mood states
Involved in some endocrine function & can inhibit immune response
Decreased [ ]= depression
Increased [ ] = manic states, & anxiety disorders
Serotonin
Excitatory
Role in emotions, cognition, sensory perceptions, sleep, food, pain, temp & cardiovascular regulation
Depression & insomnia = decreased serotonin levels
Histamine
Autonomic and neuroendocrine regulation, blockage results in sedation, weight gain & hypotension.
Involved in inflammatory response
Amino Acids
Glutamate (excitatory)
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) (inhibitory), dysfunction is associate with anxiety and seizures
Neuropeptides
Endorphins (opioid) & enkaphalins (both act on endocrine funciton and pain suppression)
Somatostatin & Substance P (non-opioid play a role in pain transmission & endocrine function)
Depression
Bipolar: high energy & depressed cycles
Unipolar: just depression (more common in women)
Due to decreased norepinephrine & epinephrine & decreased activity in prefrontal area
Severe Mood Changes
Caused by high levels of glucocorticoids like cortisol
May be link between stressful life events & development of depressive & mental illnesses
Ex: Cushings disease (depressed & decreased memory)
HPA axis & Immune Response
Cytokines produced by immune system cells are stimulated by ACTH & cortisol secretion, whilst glucocorticoids suppress cytokines
Immune dysregulation can cause psychiatric disorders
