CNS Transmitters

Question 1

What are the two main types of inotropic glutamate receptors?

Answer 1

NMDA and non-NMDA

NMDA stands for n-methyl D-aspartic acid; non-NMDA includes a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isooxasole propionic acid.

Question 2

What is NMDA associated with?

Answer 2

Long term potentiation (LTP) of postsynaptic response to presynaptic stimulus.

Question 3

What brain processes are excitatory amino acids (EAA) involved in?

Answer 3

Learning, memory, thinking.

Question 4

What can very high concentrations of glutamine cause?

Answer 4

Neuronal cell death (excitotoxicity).

Question 5

What is an example of a medication that blocks neurotransmitter reception?

Answer 5

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Question 6

What is an example of a medication that blocks neurotransmitter release?

Answer 6

Lithium.

Question 7

Name the neurotransmitters associated with the following: Ach, Noradrenaline, Glutamate, GABA, Dopamine.

Answer 7

Ach, Noradrenaline, Glutamate, GABA, Dopamine

These neurotransmitters are linked to various disease conditions.

Question 8

Define neurotransmission.

Answer 8

The process by which signaling molecules (neurotransmitters) are released by the neuron.

Question 9

List the criteria for a substance to be considered a neurotransmitter.

Answer 9

• Must be present in the neuron vesicle
• Must be released from presynaptic nerve terminal
• Enzymatic mechanisms for synthesizing and degrading the substance should be present within the neuron
• Local concentration of the substance must activate its own receptors
• Blocking agents should produce demonstrable effects.

Question 10

What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) effects on the eye?

Answer 10

i. Eye effects: Pupil dilation (sympathetic), pupil constriction (parasympathetic).

Question 11

What is GABA and its role in the brain?

Answer 11

Major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter in the brain.

Question 12

What are the two types of GABA receptors?

Answer 12

GABA A (ligand-gated ion channels) and GABA B (G protein-coupled receptors).

Question 13

What is the function of GABA B receptors?

Answer 13

Activates drug baclofen, a skeletal muscle relaxant.

Question 14

What are neurotransmitters classified by chemical structure?

Answer 14

• Amines: Ach, noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, histamine
• Amino acids: Glutamate, aspartic acid, GABA, glycine
• Peptides: Substance P, oxytocin, endorphins, cholecystokinin.

Question 15

True or False: GABA and glycine are inhibitory neurotransmitters.

Answer 15

True.

Question 16

What is neuromodulation?

Answer 16

Alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus or chemical agents.

Question 17

What are examples of neuromodulators?

Answer 17

Adenosine, prostaglandins, nitric oxide.

Question 18

What medication blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine?

Answer 18

Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine.

Question 19

What is the therapeutic significance of neurotransmitters?

Answer 19

They play a critical role in treating health conditions through medications that influence these chemical messengers.

Question 20

What is the role of presynaptic receptors?

Answer 20

They influence the release of neurotransmitters and are important as potential therapeutic targets.

Question 21

What is the primary function of dopamine as a neurotransmitter?

Answer 21

Primarily inhibitory; its deficiency causes extrapyramidal disturbances.

Question 22

List the five types of dopamine receptors.

Answer 22

D1, D2, D3, D4, D5.

Question 23

What is acetylcholine known for?

Answer 23

First neurotransmitter discovered and most abundant at autonomic ganglia.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: GABA is composed of GABA A and _______.

Answer 24

GABA B.

Question 25

Describe the synthesis of acetylcholine.

Answer 25

Glucose enters nerve terminals, glycolysis occurs, pyruvic acid generates choline, and acetyl coenzyme-A is formed.

Question 26

What are autoreceptors?

Answer 26

Receptors present on the surface of a nerve cell that respond to neurotransmitters released from the same cell.

Question 27

What is the process of neuromediation?

Answer 27

Elicitation of the postsynaptic response to release neurotransmitter through secondary response.

Question 28

What is neurosecretion?

Answer 28

The synthesis, storage, and release of hormones from neurons.